Due to a new pilot scheme that the government is running, pensioners living in Loughborough who are in receipt of Housing Bene๏ฌt will soon be contacted by letter to encourage them to apply for Pension Credit which provides the average claimant with an average of ยฃ3,500 a year. However, if you do not claim Housing Bene๏ฌt you may still qualify.
Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners and can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free overยญ-75s TV licence.
Earlier this year, the government con๏ฌrmed that the pension triple lock will be protected, something that many people have been in touch with me to tell me it is a priority for them. Now, the government is continuing to ensure that pensioners get as much support as possible by driving up Pension Credit claims nationally. It wants to reach all of the people who could still bene๏ฌt but have not yet applied. So, I would urge you to check if you are entitled to Pension Credit as soon as possible.
Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone. Information is available on gov.uk website www.gov.uk/pensionยญcredit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 991234.
We know that many eligible pensioners in Loughborough have not yet applied for Pension Credit meaning they are missing out on support. So, if you are a pensioner, look out for the letter โ we are one of only a handful of constituencies to be selected for this pilot scheme.
This will make a huge difference to vulnerable people in our area, so I urge everyone to look into whether they or their loved ones are eligible. It wonโt take you long, and you could ๏ฌnd out that you are entitled to a further ยฃ3,500.
If you are eligible, please do take up the offer. Not only will it help you with everyday living costs, but the money you spend locally also goes on to help retail, leisure and small businesses in our local area.
If you would like any advice or support in ๏ฌnding out if you are eligible for Pension Credit, then I would be more than happy to help you. Please get in touch by post, telephone, email or visit the constituency office in Loughborough.
Jane Hunt MP
