Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, is urging those of state pension age to check all of their entitlements and to make sure that they are not missing out on any financial assistance
As we launch a “take-up” campaign aimed at older people living in the region, individuals are encouraged to check that they are receiving all that they are entitled to. This includes Pension Credit, which is just one of the financial support funds that is available to those of state pension age.
Pension Credit is separate to a state pension and gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age. If you are entitled to Pension Credit, you may also get other help such as Housing Benefit, Cost of Living payments, Council Tax Reduction, and a free TV licence for those 75 years old and above – an annual saving of £169.50. Help with heating your home, including replacement boilers may also be offered.
Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol, Champion for Older People
“If you are of state pension age, I would urge you to check and make sure that you are getting everything that you are entitled to. Pension Credit is just one of the funds that you may be missing out on, so please – take the first step and check. You can go online and check through the Council’s dedicated webpages or by calling 0300 100 1800 and speaking to the financial inclusion team, who can take you through the process step by step”.
As part of the campaign, our Financial Inclusion team will be visiting Sheltered Housing complexes and retirement villages over the coming weeks, in partnership with local housing officers, to offer support and advice to residents and families about the financial assistance available and how to check what you could be entitled to.
Information on what support is available to older people can be found online or by calling our financial inclusion team on 0300 100 1800.