As high inflationary pressures persist and with more pensioners at risk of falling into poverty, financial journalist Martin Lewis urged ITV’s This Morning viewers to check if they’re eligible for Pension Credit.
Pension Credit, which is a significantly underclaimed DWP benefit, is worth an average of £3,500 per year and if people who are eligible act quickly, they could also be in receipt of a £301 cost of living payment.
The conversation arose after a viewer called the show to explain a run-in they had recently with the Pension Credit hotline after being told they did not qualify for the benefit if they didn’t receive Attendance Allowance.
They said: “I am under the weekly income threshold of £214.60. But when I called the helpline, I was told very abruptly that Martin Lewis was wrong and that I need to be in receipt of Attendance Allowance, which I’m in the process of applying for and waiting for the forms to come through. I’m so confused.”
Clearing up the confusion, Mr Lewis said: “I think there is confusion here, but I’m also very unhappy to hear what the Pension Credit hotline has said – so let me try and explain.
READ MORE: Martin Lewis urges anyone earning up to £60k to check if they’re owed extra cash
“Pension Credit is a top-up to your income if you are a state pensioner on a low income. For most people, it will top up your total income, and that’s income not just from the state pension, but from other things too to £203 a week.”
In some circumstances, Mr Lewis went on to explain that it can get complicated when a person receives additional benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance.
But, he continued: “You can earn more than £203 a week as a single state pensioner and get Pension Credit. So I have a rule of thumb and my rule of thumb is if you’ve got a total weekly income of under £220, it is worth checking whether you’re entitled to Pension Credit.
“That’s what I always say. I don’t say you’re going to get it. I say that’s when it’s worth checking. And if you are a pensioner couple with income under £320, it is worth checking.”
People can check if they’re entitled to Pension Credit by using an online calculator or by calling the Pension Credit hotline.
Mr Lewis added: “The Pension Credit hotline is meant to be a friendly service to tell you whether or not you’re entitled. I have an agreement with the pension minister that I will be pushing this message out because I think it’s very important.”
He addressed viewers: “The one million people who are eligible for Pension Credit who are not getting it, don’t sit there and go, “Well, maybe it’s not me, so I won’t risk calling”, I’m giving an agreed message encouraged by the minister.
“The whole point is as a nation, we’re trying to work together to get some of the poorest pensioners not to be scared to ask if they are due Pension Credit.”
He then told viewers that it’s “urgent” to check right now because those who submit an application form for Pension Credit before May 19 could be eligible for the £301 cost of living payment.
He said “You’ve got two days left in which if you claim Pension Credit, if you’re eligible, then you will get the first cost of living payment for this year of £301 on top of the pension”, before also adding: “Pension Credit is a gateway benefit to many other things.”
Claiming Pension Credit can also provide access for a person to claim other financial support, such as housing benefit, council tax, NHS dental care, and more.
Mr Lewis said: “There’s nothing wrong with checking. There will be many people watching this who should not be put off by what the person on that hotline has done. They shouldn’t make you feel wrong for asking because the whole agreement and the whole thing we’re trying to do is to encourage people to enquire.
“I came up with a rhyme. Don’t stall, just call – or get online.”
Express.co.uk has contacted the DWP asking for comment.
This Morning on weekdays on ITV at 10am
