The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a two-week warning about the impending £300 cost of living payment.
The benefits administration issued a social media message inviting those above the state pension age to apply for Pension Credit by December 10 of this year. This is due to the fact that those who file a claim before this date may also be entitled for the £300 cost of living benefit.
Pension Credit is a benefit for low-income elderly Britons. If you are eligible, your weekly income will be increased by up to £201.05, or £306.85 if you are married. Claiming Pension Credit entitles you to various benefits and assistance.
Council Tax reductions, Housing Benefit, a free TV licence if you’re over 75, the Warm Home Discount worth £150 per year, Cold Weather Payments worth £25, free dental care, and vouchers for spectacles or contact lenses are also examples.
The Department for Work and Pensions said: “Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs Apply by 10 Dec and, if eligible, you could also get an extra £300 Cost Of Living Payment. Don’t miss out.”
If you apply now – or before the deadline – and are accepted, your application will be three months backdated. This means that you will be paid for three months. This benefit backdating also places you in the qualifying week for the cost of living payment.
Thousands of people are currently eligible for Pension Credit but do not receive it. As of this writing, the DWP believes that approximately 880,000 people are eligible for the assistance.
Pension Credit can be applied for online at Gov.uk, by phone at 0800 99 1234, or by printing and filling out a paper application form. You can also have a friend or family member call for you, but you must be present when they do so.
Before applying, you will also need the following information:
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about your earnings, savings, and investments
- Income, savings, and investments on the date you want to backdate your application (typically three months ago or the date you achieved state pension age)
- Account information from your bank, building society or credit union