Residents of state pension age in East Cambridgeshire are being urged to apply for Pension Credit.
East Cambridgeshire District Council has written to eligible people in the district, offering assistance to apply for this valuable benefit, as part of their outreach support for people on low incomes.
Pension Credit tops up pension income and can help with day to day living costs. The benefit is worth on average £4300 per year and residents may be eligible to claim Pension Credit even if they own their home or have savings.
Councillor Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, explains: “Pension Credit is a valuable benefit that can help people with day-to-day costs and as we head towards the winter months this could really make a difference with the cost of heating homes.
“I would encourage anyone who is unsure if they would qualify for Pension Credit, or who would like help to apply, to contact us or attend our community advice drop-in sessions to talk to our advisors.”
Karolina Tkaczyk, the council’s Financial Inclusion Officer, added: “We have identified a number of residents through our low-income family tracker (LIFT) system who may be eligible and we have written to them, encouraging them to apply for Pension Credit.
“Residents receiving Pension Credit may be eligible for the winter fuel payment, as well as receive support with rent or Council Tax. They could also receive help with NHS services, such as dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital treatment, as well as a free TV licence for people over 75, so it is definitely worth checking if you are eligible.”
Anyone who needs help with applying for Pension Credit is advised to contact the community advice team at East Cambridgeshire District Council or attend one of the council’s drop-in sessions. These take place Monday to Friday, from 10am until 4pm at the council offices.
Drop-in sessions are also held at Soham library each Wednesday, 10am until midday, Littleport library each Friday, 10am until midday, and at Haddenham community hub, the first Tuesday of each month, 10am to midday.
If you are unable to attend the drop-in sessions a home visit may be possible. Call the council on 01353 665555 and ask to speak to an advisor, or email supporthub@eastcambs.gov.uk
For more information, and to check eligibility, visit GOV.UK's Pension Credit page, or you can apply by phone on the Pension Credit claim line 0800 99 1234.
The Low Income Family Tracker is a tool used to identify people who are eligible for benefit support who are not currently receiving it. The LIFT programme is delivered in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council through the Crisis and Resilience Fund, with funding from the UK Government.