DWP handing state pensioners £3,900 each for completing 'five minute' task

The DWP is handing out Pension Credit payments to those who claim the benefit, which Money Saving Expert says is "underclaimed".

The Department for Work and Pensions is handing state pensioners who complete a five-minute task a whopping £3,900. The DWP is handing out Pension Credit payments to those who claim the benefit, which Money Saving Expert says is "underclaimed".

In an email to its residents on Friday, Cornwall Council said to its local households: "£3,900 for five minutes of your time? Help spread the word to anyone you know over State Pension age that they could be missing out on extra money."

"Spending five minutes using the government's online 'can I claim Pension Credit? ' checker tool and find out if they're entitled to extra support. They might be allowed to claim even if they: have savings, own their own home, are working, are getting a small occupational pension, have been turned down in the past."

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Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. If you are eligible for Pension Credit, this could mean extra weekly money and access to a range of other benefits.

Although Pension Credit is means tested, you may still qualify if you have savings or if you own your own home. t’s worth claiming even if you only qualify for a small amount because Pension Credit unlocks other benefits.

For example, this could be a free TV Licence (for over 75s) or NHS dental care and check ups, as well as free sight tests, vouchers, glass and contact lenses, travel costs to and from hospital, Cold weather payments worth £25 from the DWP and also help towards housing and Council Tax benefit.

Winter fuel payments worth £300 are also included. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.