DWP is sending letter to 11 million people about £3,900 boost
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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging millions of older Brits to keep an eye out for a letter which could unlock a £3,900 boost. The letter relates to Pension Credit and the DWP is writing to 11 million people this month urging them to check if they qualify for this important benefit. This letter will not say you are definitely entitled to Pension Credit - it is being sent to people who could be eligible and who should make further enquiries.
Pension Credit boosts your weekly income and also unlocks other financial help, such as free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses, or a free TV licence if you're over the age of 75. But as well as this, Pension Credit also now means you can still get a Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300. The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 each year. The main part of Pension Credit is known as "Guarantee Credit" and this tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple.
The DWP will send the letter about Pension Credit as part of its annual notification about the state pension going up in April. Pensions Minister Torsten Bell said: "Over the coming weeks, as part of the annual state pension uprating exercise, around 11million pensioners will receive a leaflet promoting Pension Credit along with their state pension uprating letter.".
Pension Credit comes in two parts. The Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but in some cases, you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you're a carer, or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage.
