Older people on a low income have until Thursday, 18th August to put in a claim for Pension Credit in order to qualify for the Government’s £650 Cost of Living Payment.
Announced as part of a support package in May, the Government’s Cost of Living Payment will be paid to those in receipt of Pension Credit (and other qualifying benefits) in two lump sums of £326 and £324 – the first is currently being paid while the second will be paid in the autumn.
To be eligible for the first lump sum, older people must have been entitled to a Pension Credit payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) in the period 26 April – 25 May 2022, but because a successful application for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months, those who begin the claiming process before 18 August are guaranteed to meet the eligibility criteria.
An award of Pension Credit can help with the rising cost of living, and also provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax support, heating bills and, for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.
Applications can be made at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling 0800 99 1234.
Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said:
“I’d urge residents to make sure they’re aware of the help and financial assistance available. Contact Citizens Advice Swindon or visit the Council’s website to check what help you could be missing out on.
“Through the Government’s Household Support Fund, the Council is administering £1.5 million of support including food and energy vouchers to residents across Swindon.”
Citizens Advice Swindon can be contacted on 0808 2787813 or by visiting www.citizensadviceswindon.org.uk.
