Money Expert Martin Lewis Urges State Pensioners to Claim an £11,600 Handout by Making One Simple Phone Call

Martin Lewis, the money expert, is advising state pensioners that they can receive handouts of up to £11,600 by simply making one phone call.

Martin Lewis Urges Pensioners to Check Eligibility for Crucial Pension Credit This Winter

This winter is expected to be difficult for many state pensioners, especially since Winter Fuel Payments have been cut for millions. Many people who previously received the £200 to £300 payment will not get it this year.

The end of the £300 Cost of Living payment for pensioners, which was available for the past two winters, means many will have hundreds of pounds less to help them through the winter.

Martin Lewis is therefore encouraging pensioners to find out if they qualify for Pension Credit. By making just one phone call, they could receive at least £300 this winter and secure a minimum income of £11,300.

Martin Lewis said: "It's become more crucial than ever 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."

Martin Lewis Provides Simple Steps for Pensioners to Check Eligibility for Pension Credit

Martin mentioned that single pensioners earning less than £235 a week and couples earning less than £350 should check their eligibility, as they might qualify for the payment.

For someone with no state pension who can claim the full amount of Pension Credit, they could receive £218 a week, which adds up to £11,300 a year.

The expert in finance 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." "Which actually works out at a 10 percent return, chance'd be a fine thing."

"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."

Mr Lewis encouraged pensioners to follow his straightforward advice. He explained that if you’re a low-income pensioner and don’t currently receive Pension Credit, you should either go online to use the calculator or call the Pension Credit hotline to speak with someone.

He reassured them that there’s no penalty for asking about Pension Credit. If you aren’t eligible, they will simply let you know.

You can contact the Pension Credit Hotline at no cost by calling 0800 99 1234.