Medway’s residents are being encouraged to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and find out about the support on offer at a brand new event.
Across Medway, there are an estimated 440 residents who may be eligible to claim Pension Credit but currently don’t. On average, Pension Credit is worth more than £3,900 a year.
To help raise awareness, we have written to all residents who we believe are eligible to claim, and will also be hosting an event at the former Wilko’s store in The Pentagon Shopping Centre, Chatham on Monday, 21 October from 10am to 2pm.
Those who come to the event will be able to find out about Pension Credit, as well as getting help and support with claiming it.
Our Benefits and Financial Welfare team will be joined at the event by representatives from the Department for Work and Pensions and a range of voluntary organisations and other council services, providing an opportunity for residents to find out about all of the other support available from organisations across Medway.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit to help with living costs for those who are over state pension age and on a low income.
Pension Credit is separate from your state pension. Having savings, a private pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving it.
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, or have housing costs.
To make a claim for Pension Credit, you will need to provide:
- Your National Insurance number,
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have,
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (maximum of three months),
- Your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
If you are applying for Pension Credit, you should only ever use the official government website or official Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234.
You can also check your eligibility for Pension Credit on the government’s website.
Help raise awareness
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council, said: “The cost-of-living-crisis is still having an impact on all of our lives, and we want to make sure people are claiming all of the help they are entitled to. The main drive behind this event is to help raise awareness about Pension Credit and support people to make a claim, but it is brilliant that a number of other council services, partners and volunteers will be there too – a true demonstration of the ‘One Medway’ spirit.
“We are aware that there is a waiting time for new claims to be processed, so it is really important that anyone who is eligible starts their Pension Credit claim as soon as possible to make sure they don’t miss out.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you think would benefit from this event, please make them aware so they are able to come along and get face-to-face support from the council, our partners and the brilliant voluntary organisations in Medway.”
You can find out more information on our Financial Welfare Hub or by calling the team on 01634 331500.
To find out more about the wide range of support on offer, visit our Help for Households page.