Martin Lewis says crucial call to DWP could secure £11,600 for State Pensioners
Martin Lewis urged pensioners to make one simple phone call to see if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which can be worth more than £11,000 a year and is also the key to unlocking other help
by Alex Evans · ChronicleLiveFinancial guru Martin Lewis is advising state pensioners that they could receive extra support totalling £11,600 with just one telephone call.
With a challenging winter ahead for many state pensioners due to the elimination of Winter Fuel Payments which previously saw payouts of £200 to £300 scores of pensioners will have to brave the colder months without this financial aid.
Additionally, the cessation of the £300 Cost of Living payment traditionally granted over the last two winters will further squeeze household budgets, leaving many hundreds of pounds out of pocket.
This has prompted Martin Lewis to encourage those on state pension to determine their eligibility for Pension Credit, potentially yielding them an extra £300 this winter with a single phone call, in addition to guaranteeing a minimum income of £11,300.
Martin Lewis proclaimed: "It's become more crucial than ever because that Winter Fuel Payment that up to £300 payment that did to go every pensioner is now dependent on Pension Credit.", reports the Express.
Get all the latest money news and budgeting tips from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter
Further emphasising the urgency, he added: "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."
Stressing the importance of awareness, Martin Lewis urged: "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."
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 clarified: "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."
He added: "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."
Finally, Martin urged pensioners to heed his 'really simple' advice.
He emphasised: "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."
"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."
You can contact The Pension Credit Hotline at no cost by dialling 0800 99 1234.
Join our WhatsApp communities
ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities.
We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all!
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community
Join our Court & Crime community
Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community
Join our Northumberland community
Join our County Durham community
Join our Great North Run community