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Robert Halfon has welcomed a new campaign from the Government to boost the take up of Pension Credit in Harlow, giving more people the security of savings in later life
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There are already around 1,900 claimants in Harlow but more people are eligible for an average of £3,300 a year in extra support.
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Nationwide, the Government has driven take-up of Pension Credit to the highest level since 2010 but now wants to reach the 850,000 people who could still benefit but have not yet applied.
Robert Halfon MP welcomed a new Conservative campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit in Harlow as part of wider support with the cost of living.
Pension Credit is a top up for the most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it acts as a passport to a suite of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.
There are already around 1,900 claimants of Pension Credit in Harlow but around 25 per cent of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.
To help, the Conservative Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for, and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Commenting, Robert Halfon said:
“I have worked hard to secure a fair deal for pensioners and I am pleased that since 2010, the state pension has increased by £2,050. Following last year’s Autumn Budget, I voted to increase the state pension further this year, by the rate of inflation, or 2.5%, whichever is higher at the time - the so-called ‘double lock’.
“Whilst it is good that almost 2,000 pensioners in Harlow already claim the Pension Credit, I would encourage everyone eligible to ensure they apply to access the help and additional financial support they are entitled to.
“I will continue to work hard to secure a fair deal for pensioners and increase the state pension rate year on year.”
Commenting, Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman, said:
“Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.”
“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.”
“That’s why I’m working hard to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”
