Around 800,000 people miss the chance to claim extra cash
Around 800,000 pensioners could get extra cash.
Hundreds of thousands of pensioners could get extra cash from the Government.
Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits, and tops up money for those on low incomes.
But around 800,000 older people don’t get the boost even though they are eligible.
READ MORE: Nationwide paying £380 into bank accounts
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A new awareness campaign is likely to be launched by the Government and campaigners ahead of the winter, when the colder weather puts more pressure on the finances of vulnerable pensioners.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £227 for a single person and £346 if they are in a couple – up to £1,384 month.
This could make a big difference to those worried about bills.
Some people either don’t know they could get the support or automatically assume they won’t qualify.
It’s always worth checking, and even a few pounds could be worth claiming to put towards shopping bills, for example.
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Martin Lewis’ Money Saving Expert (MSE) said: “If you’re retired and have income less than £227 a week as an individual, or £346 a week as a couple, you may be due £1,000s a year in Pension Credit.
“Plus, it then entitles you to a whole raft of other benefits.
“Yet, up to £1.5 billion of Pension Credit is unclaimed by up to 800,000 eligible households.”
They added: “It’s a national tragedy that close to one million pensioner households, many of whom have been paying into the system for years, are missing out on an average income boost of around £3,900 a year via Pension Credit.
“It takes minutes to check if you qualify, so don’t stall, just call.”