Call out to claim Pension Credit
We have joined forces with Darlington CAB to call out to pensioners on a low income urging them to check if they are eligible to claim Pension Credit.
Some additional government payments to cover the rise in fuel bills will only be made to people who have applied for their benefits by 24 August 2022. It is important that anyone who thinks they may be eligible for benefits such as Pension Credit apply before this date or they could miss out on around £300 of extra help toward their fuel bills.
Pension Credit can help with living and with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges even a free TV Licence. Extra help may be available for those who are carers, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
Pension Credit is separate from State Pension and can be claimed even if the person owns their own home, has other savings or income. Currently 12.3% of people of pensionable age in Darlington are claiming pension credit, lower than the 14.3% for the North East
Councillor Scott Durham, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for resources said:
“Times are tough for people who are on fixed or low incomes and struggling to pay basic bills. There is help out there and we are working with Darlington CAB to help make people aware of the help and support that is on offer.
“Many people are missing out on the benefits that they are entitled to and Pension Credit is one of the benefits that is going unclaimed in our borough. We are urging people to help older relatives to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit and make sure they don’t miss out on the vital help and support that is out there.”
Mike Robinson, manager of the BEAT team from Darlington CAB added:
“It is vitally important that we get this message out to people to claim now for benefits they are entitled to. Our team in Darlington is ready and willing to help people to claim what is rightfully theirs.
“We also offer a range of other advice and support to help people who are struggling with paying bills and debts, regardless of if they are eligible for benefits or not.”
Anyone who thinks they may be eligible to claim should contact Darlington CAB BEAT (benefit entitlement action team) who have helped Darlington residents claim millions of pounds in unclaimed benefits.
BEAT at Citizens Advice Darlington ([email protected]) helps residents to make sure they are getting everything they’re entitled to, residents can call Citizens Advice on 266888, or drop in for advice Monday to Friday between 10-12pm.
In addition, the BeatLine (734999) is open to people wanting to check entitlement to qualifying benefits every Tuesday 1-4 pm.
People can also access support and advice on the council’s Money Advice pages at www.darlington.gov.uk/moneyadvice or visit the Government website at: www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm).