Local MP welcomes campaign to boost take up of pension credit in Bucks

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Aylesbury MP Rob Butler has welcomed a new campaign to boost the take-up of Pension Credit as part of Government 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 a year. As well as a cash top-up to the State Pension, it enables access to other help, such as with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

Rob Butler MP said:

“There are already 1411 claimants of Pension Credit in the Aylesbury constituency but we know around 25 per cent of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.  It’s really important that everyone who is entitled to help gets the assistance they need. So I urge local people to claim.”

Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK  website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

Minister for Pensions, Guy Opperman MP, 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’ve 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.”