Almost 5,000 Northumberland households not claiming Pension Credit missing out on thousands each year

Northumberland Labour estimates that 4,733 eligible households are still missing out and is now urging local pensioners to apply for the benefit

It's estimated that almost 5,000 households in Northumberland are missing out on thousands of pounds each year by not claiming money they are eligible for.

Earlier this year, MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis said it was a "national tragedy" that nearly a million eligible low-income pensioners in the UK were not receiving Pension Credit, despite paying into the system for years.

Pension Credit is worth an average of £3,900 a year and from this year it will also automatically passport eligible pensioners to receive the Winter Fuel Payment - pushing the total average entitlement over £4,000.

But Northumberland Labour estimates that 4,733 eligible households are still missing out and is now urging local pensioners to apply for the benefit. Families, friends and neighbours are being encouraged to reach out to retired family members to encourage them to check their eligibility and apply. December 21 is the last possible date to make a successful backdated claim in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

Northumberland Labour's Leader Scot Dickinson MBE said: "Northumberland Labour is determined to get as many local pensioners signed up for Pension Credit as we can. It's worth around £4,000 a year and signing up has never been easier.

"The Conservatives left this country broke and broken – including a £22bn blackhole in the nation's finances. So Labour has been forced to make tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – but we're protecting the pensioners who need our support most. And through this campaign we are hoping to ensure that every household in Northumberland that is eligible gets every penny they are due.

"So our message is clear – if you are pensioner please check if you could be due around £4,000 through Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Allowance to help with bills this winter, and if you know a pensioner please do everything you can to encourage them to apply."

While around 1.4 million pensioners are already receiving Pension Credit nationwide, up to an estimated 880,000 households are eligible for the support but are not claiming it. Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they are eligible for this support which is worth £3,900 a year on average, using DWP's online calculator.

People with a severe disability, carers and those who are responsible for a child or young person who lives with them could get more. Pension Credit can also include extra amounts for certain housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges.

This work is part of a wider plan to ensure economic stability for pensioners by protecting the Triple Lock and supporting households with their energy bills through the £150 Warm Home Discount and the Warm Homes Plan – upgrading millions of homes this Parliament.

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Over the next five years, more than 12 million pensioners could see their State Pension increase by over a thousand pounds as a result of the commitment to the Triple Lock.

Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said: "The £22 billion blackhole inherited from the previous governments means we are having to take tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – including making the Winter Fuel Payments available to those most at need.

"1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they’re claiming pension credit – but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for pension credit."

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall said: "Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change. It's easier than ever to check if you are eligible, including with our online calculator, and if your circumstances have changed since the last time you looked – I urge you to check again.

"Friends, families and neighbours can also encourage their loved ones to apply, so that they are not missing out on this vital benefit."

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said: "It's a national tragedy that nearly a million eligible low-income pensioners who've paid into the system for years are still missing out on the crucial Pension Credit financial lifeline – a better name for it would be the State Pension Top Up.

"So whatever your age, take a second to understand how it works, so we can all ensure the message is spread to every nook and granny (and grandpas too). Especially as the government has just severed Winter Fuel Benefits eligibility for millions, yet if you claim Pension Credit you’ll still get it.

"While for most single pensioners, you need total weekly income, including from savings, under around £218 (pensioner couples under £333) to be very likely to qualify, my rule of thumb is spend a few minutes to check even with weekly income up to £235 (pensioner couples £350) as there’s still a chance some may be eligible.

"Pension Credit can pay out £1,000s a year, but even if it’s only going to pay you thruppence, still claim it! As once you get it, it’s a gateway benefit that opens the door to other entitlements – including council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more."