Martin Lewis says pensioners can get £11,600 by making one phone call

He says you'll be far better off - with the benefit under-claimed

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis has highlighted that state pensioners could receive handouts totalling £11,600 by simply making one phone call. With the removal of Winter Fuel Payments for millions of state pensioners, many will miss out on the usual £200 to £300 they previously received.

Additionally, the ending of the £300 Cost of Living payment for pensioners, which was paid over the last two winters, will leave many with significantly less money to get through the colder months. This is why Martin Lewis is strongly encouraging pensioners to check their eligibility for Pension Credit, which could provide 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 go to every pensioner is now dependent on Pension Credit."

Get the latest news straight to your phone by joining us on WhatsApp

He continued: "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."

He concluded with a call to action, saying: "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," reports the Express.

Martin advised that single pensioners earning less than £235 a week and couples earning less than £350 should check their eligibility for the payment. He explained that someone with no state pension could potentially claim Pension Credit up to the full amount, which would equate to £218 a week or £11,300 annually.

He further added: "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."

"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."

"The most complicated thing is, total weekly income is any money from work, private pension, state pension and any benefits are included, plus if you have over £10,000 savings or investments, then for every £500 you are over that they count that as £1 a week income."

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

Martin concluded by urging pensioners to follow his 'really simple' advice.

He stressed the simplicity of checking eligibility, saying: "Let's make this really simple: if you're a low income pensioner and you don't get pension credit, just go online and do the calculator. Or if online scares you, just call up the pension credit hotline and just talk to someone."

He also reassured claimants: "You will not be told off for asking if you're due pension credit. If you're not due pension credit, they'll just tell you you're not due it."

Those needing assistance can reach The Pension Credit Hotline for free on 0800 99 1234.