• Rebecca Harris has welcomed a new campaign from the Conservative Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit in Castle Point, giving more people the security of savings in later life
• There are already around 2100 claimants in Castle Point, but more people are eligible for an average of £3,300 a year in extra support.
• Nationwide, the Conservative Government has driven the take-up of Pension Credit to the highest level since 2010 but now wants to reach the 850,000 people who could still benefit but have not yet applied.

Rebecca Harris has welcomed a new Conservative campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit in Castle Point as part of wider support for the cost of living.

Pension Credit is a top-up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top-up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

There are already 2100 claimants of Pension Credit in Castle Point but we know around 25% of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.

To help, the Conservative Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.

Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has written to local newspapers across the country and the Department for Work and Pensions will send leaflets to 11 million pensioners. A high-profile media day will also take place on 15 June 2022.

Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Commenting, Rebecca Harris MP said:

“It is great news that 2100 pensioners in Castle Point already claim Pension Credit, but it is important for everyone else in our area to claim all the help they are entitled to.”

“That is why the Conservative Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.”

“This will ensure that eligible pensioners know what support is available and will help people prepare and save for later life.”

Commenting, Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said:

 “Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.”

“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.”

“That’s why I’m working hard to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”