Pensioners urged to make 5 minute DWP call to boost state pension by £80 a week
This is mainly due to pensioners missing out on thousands of pounds in unclaimed benefits and pension entitlements. Over 13 million people are above the state pension age in the UK, and many could be eligible for additional support they're unaware of through extra benefits, including Pension Credit.
Pension experts from Spencer Churchill Claims Advice are urging pensioners to check if they're receiving everything they are entitled to.
A spokesperson emphasised Pension Credit as being "worth around £4,300 a year on average", which also "unlocks other benefits like free dental care, help with rent and reduced energy bills". For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
Despite thousands being eligible, uptake remains low with the Government launching a campaign to encourage applications following the means-testing of Winter Fuel Payments.
Those receiving their pension are being encouraged to make a quick "five minute call" to the DWP to potentially increase their state pension payments by £80 per week.
"A five-minute phone call could mean someone getting an extra £80 a week or more," added the spokesperson from Spencer Churchill.
Experts point out that many pensioners incorrectly assume that once they start receiving their state pension, they are not entitled to claim any additional benefits.
Here is a list of extra benefits that state pensioners may be eligible for:
Pension Credit.
Attendance Allowance.
Council Tax Support.
Winter Fuel Payments.
Cold Weather Payments.
War Widow(er)'s Pension.
Free eye tests.
Free dental treatments.
Free or discounted TV licence.
Energy-saving home upgrades, such as insulation and boiler replacement.
However, a specialist from Spencer Churchill said: "In many cases, it's not about complex applications or means testing - just checking your eligibility and submitting a simple claim."
Dean Butler, Managing Director of Standard Life, previously explained why many individuals are not receiving their full entitlements. He said: "Around 750,000 people are not receiving the correct state pension amount either due to errors in National Insurance records or the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) not making adjustments when there's a change to your circumstances."
Butler advised those who spent time raising children to verify that they received NI credit for this period. Women whose husbands retired from March 17, 2008 should ensure that their entitlement was increased accordingly.
Those over 80 with a low pension should check if they have been assessed for the over-80s rate. Universal Credit recipients are also encouraged to confirm that they have been receiving National Insurance credits.
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