Older residents in Cardiff are being advised to check their eligibility for a valuable benefit. Pension credit, which is worth an average of £2,677 per year to those of state pension age, can be claimed by eligible individuals regardless of other income, savings, or homeownership status. Despite this, over £12.3 million of pension credit remains unclaimed in Cardiff, with an estimated 4,300 missed claims in the city.
The council’s money advice team is actively encouraging residents who are uncertain about their eligibility to reach out for assistance promptly. The team can assess eligibility for pension credit and provide support to ensure that individuals are not missing out on any other benefits or discounts that could help boost their income.
Councillor Peter Bradbury, Cabinet member for tackling poverty and supporting young people, expressed concern over the significant amount of unclaimed money in Cardiff. He emphasized the importance of claiming pension credit, which could make a substantial difference in the lives of older residents. In addition to increasing income, claiming pension credit also grants access to various forms of support, potentially amounting to around £10,000 per year per person. This support includes help with heating bills, housing costs, council tax, and TV licences.
Changes to the winter fuel payment scheme this year require eligible pensioners to claim pension credit by December 21, 2024, to access the winter fuel payment of up to £300. The money advice team is available six days a week at the central library Hub and conducts outreach surgeries at community hubs across the city throughout the week. Residents are urged to contact the team to determine their eligibility and secure the benefits they are entitled to.
In conclusion, the initiative aims to raise awareness about unclaimed pension credit in Cardiff and provide vital support to older individuals to help improve their financial well-being. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the available resources to access the benefits they deserve.