BBC expert says 7 UK areas 'targeted' over pension credit mistake made by 1million - full list

Résumé détaillé

Even if you're not part of these 7 areas, you are still being urged to check

Almost one million people are being encouraged to check whether they're eligible for pension credit - an income top-up that can provide crucial support with everyday living costs. The alert comes from Consumer Journalist Louise Minchin, who said that 7 key areas across the UK are being "targeted."

Appearing on BBC Morning Live on Friday, the expert explained that the UK Government has said some low-income pensioners could be missing out on an average of £4,500 in pension credit. "What the government wants to do is get people to check if they can claim for it - or if someone they love can claim for it - and they are targeting seven areas in the UK, posting 660,000 leaflets through doors."

Don't worry if you don't live in these 7 areas, the BBC expert reassures: "If you’re not living in one of those areas, you are not being targeted by the leaflets. But you could still be eligible."

Louise stressed that over one million people are not getting the money they're entitled to, noting that the "figures are really stark". The charity Independent Age said that between 2023 and 2024, 1.2 million older people were missing out on getting pension credit they were entitled to, she explained.

The report from the charity reads: "Too many older households are missing out on this support: the latest available data shows just 62% of households eligible for Pension Credit receive it, with as many as 1.2 million eligible older people missing out on this entitlement."

Pension credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your income if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It is separate from the State Pension and can top up someone’s weekly income.

How much you get depends on your personal circumstances. If you are single, you could claim £238. If you have a joint income, this rises to £363.25.

"The good news is that it's going up", Louise reminded viewers. She explained: "The government announced in last month's budget that from April, it is going to increase to £247.30 per week…

Début de l'article, extrait de Daily Mirror. Pour lire la suite, ouvrez l'article chez le média.