Claim Pension Credit by 19 May to qualify for £301 Cost of Living Payment

The DWP is urging pensioners to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit to avoid missing out on a £301 Cost of Living Payment.

About 1.4 million people claim Pension Credit which is a benefit paid to those on low incomes who are above state pension age.

Pension Credit tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.

There are just nine days to go for people to claim Pension Credit and still qualify for the latest £301 payment, which they will receive direct into their bank accounts.

Provided a claim is made before 19 May 2023, it can be backdated for up to three months so long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.

It can also act as a gateway to additional support, such as housing benefit, a Council Tax discount, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.

You can check your eligibility for pension credit via the government's online calculator.

Information is also available on how to make a claim. You can also call the phone line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).