North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald has welcomed a new Conservative campaign to boost the take up of Pension Credit in North East Hertfordshire, as part of wider support with the cost of living.

Pension Credit is a top up for our most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300.  As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it is 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 1559 claimants in North East Hertfordshire, but around 25% 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.

Pensions Minister Guy Opperman has written to local newspapers across the country and the Department for Work and Pensions will send leaflets to 11 million pensioners.  A high profile media day will also take place on 15 June 2022.

Pension credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post.  Information is available on www.gov.uk/Pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 991234.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said “It is great news that 1559 pensioners in North East Hertfordshire already claim Pension Credit, but it is important for everyone else in our area to claim all the help they are entitled to. 

That is why 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.

This will ensure that eligible pensioners know what support is available and will help people prepare and save for later life.”

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 have written to local newspapers across the country, produced leaflets for 11 million pensioners and will be holding a Media Day in June to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”