Latest news with #WarWidow
North Wales Live
12-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Pensioners urged to make 5 minute DWP call to boost state pension by £80 a week
People across the UK are being encouraged to make a quick "five minute call" to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that could potentially increase their state pension payments by £80 per week. Analysts warn that approximately 750,000 individuals across the country are not receiving the correct state pension amount they're entitled to. 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.
Wales Online
12-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Pensioners urged to make 5 minute DWP call to boost state pension by £80 a week
Pensioners urged to make 5 minute DWP call to boost state pension by £80 a week Around 750,000 people across the UK are not receiving the correct state pension amount they're entitled to (Image: Halfpoint Images via Getty Images ) People across the UK are being encouraged to make a quick "five minute call" to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that could potentially increase their state pension payments by £80 per week. Analysts warn that approximately 750,000 individuals across the country are not receiving the correct state pension amount they're entitled to. 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. Article continues below "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." Article continues below 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.
Wales Online
09-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
State pensioners sent £4,300 message and urged not to miss out
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Wales Online breaking news on WhatsApp State pensioners are being warned they may be missing on support worth thousands of pounds. A number of schemes are available to boost the income of eligible state pensioners, including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax Support. But many of these go unclaimed because people don't know they can get them or assume they won't qualify. READ MORE: Keir Starmer makes statement on state pension triple lock Get our best money saving tips and hacks by signing up to our newsletter Hundreds of thousands of pensioners miss out on extra cash they are entitled to. Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits. It tops up the income of poorer pensioners, and also allows them to receive the Winter Fuel Payment. It can be worth around an extra £4,300 a year. Pension experts at Spencer Churchill Claims Advice explained: "There's a widespread misconception that once someone starts receiving their state pension, that's all they can claim. "But the truth is, there are multiple additional forms of support available - many of which go unclaimed because people simply don't realise they exist. 'Pension Credit is a prime example. It's worth around £4,300 a year on average and it also unlocks other benefits like free dental care, help with rent, and reduced energy bills. "But uptake remains stubbornly low despite thousands of people being eligible.' Among the key benefits and entitlements are: Pension Credit Attendance Allowance Council Tax Support Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments War Widow(er)'s Pension Help with NHS costs, free eye tests and dental treatment Free or discounted TV Licences Energy-saving home upgrades like insulation and boiler replacement The spokesperson added: 'In many cases, it's not about complex applications or means testing -just checking your eligibility and submitting a simple claim. "But older people who are not online, or aren't aware of what's available, may miss out completely. 'That's why we're encouraging friends, family and neighbours to have that conversation. "A five-minute phone call could mean someone getting an extra £80 a week or more.' 'We also remind people that some support, like Attendance Allowance or War Widows' Pension, isn't means-tested, and can still be claimed even if you're already receiving a full State Pension.'
