Finance Guru Martin Lewis urges state pensioners to make a single phone call to receive a £11,300 benefit.
Martin Lewis Urges State Pensioners to Claim Pension Credit Amid Winter Support Cuts
Many state pensioners are set to face a particularly challenging winter this year as the Winter Fuel Allowance transitioned to a means-tested benefit, so those who previously received the £300 handout would no longer be eligible.
With the £300 Cost of Living payment for pensioners being cut, many will face winter with less financial support. According to Express, Martin Lewis is urging people receiving a state pension to check if they qualify for Pension Credit to at least claim back £300 this winter through a single phone call.
Martin Lewis states: “It’s become more crucial than ever [to claim Pension Credit] because that Winter Fuel Payment that up to £300 payment that did to go every pensioner is now dependent on Pension Credit.
“So, Pension Credit, now I’ve been shouting about this here and everywhere and on my site for many years and it is chronically underclaimed.
“So the most important thing I can say to everybody watching who may be eligible is those over 66 but also right across society, is many of our most vulnerable people are not claiming this crucial payment and we collectively have a responsibility to try and let them know about it.”
State Pensioners Advised to Check Income Levels for Pension Credit Eligibility
The finance expert emphasized that single pensioners earning less than £235 per week and couples receiving less than £350 should check as they could be entitled to the payment.
Those who don't claim the state pension and who receive Pension Credit equivalent to the full amount would then get £218 a week, amounting to £11,300 a year.
He went on to say “If you’re a single pensioner and you have total weekly income under £218 a week, you will likely get it, if it’s under £235 a week you will maybe get it but it’s still worth checking.
“If you’re a couple - both of you are state pensioners living together - then my rule is you should check if it’s under £350 total weekly income.
“Under £333 you’re likely to get it, under £350 there’s a chance.
“If you’re a state pensioner and your partner isn’t a state pensioner you can’t get it this way but you may still be eligible if your partner is claiming Universal Credit.
“The most complicated thing is, total weekly income is any money from work, private pension, state pension and any benefits are included, plus if you have over £10,000 savings or investments, then for every £500 you are over that they count that as £1 a week income.
“Which actually works out at a 10 percent return, chance’d be a fine thing.”