North-east MP urges pensioners not to miss out on £324 cost-of-living grant
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Gordon MP Richard Thomson is urging all pensioners on low-incomes to make sure they’re signed up for Pension Credit, especially as the cost of living crisis continues.
This is extra money to assist with living costs if the applicant is over State Pension age and on a low income.
Pension credit can also assist with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
In May 2022, the UK Government originally announced a Cost-of-Living Payment to be paid to those in receipt of Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits.
To be eligible for the payment, an older person must have been entitled to a Pension Credit payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) between 26 August and 25 September.
Applications for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months - those who begin the claiming process by Sunday, December 18 and are successful can be eligible for the second Cost-of-Living Payment of £324.00
It is easy to apply online, via the phone or by post.
Applicants can begin their application 4 months before they reach pensionable age and apply anytime afterwards.
However, an application can only be backdated three months, so it is best to apply early.
Commenting, Richard Thomson MP said: “As this cost-of-living crisis goes on, more and more households are set to see a reduction in their living standards.
"Increasing food bills, rents, mortgage payments and energy bills are all heaping on the pressure, and pensioners especially can be vulnerable this winter.
“Pension Credit is money to which you are entitled, and I would urge all low-income pensioners to make an application today.
"Organisations such as the Citizens Advice can assist with applications, and the extra cash can go a long way in alleviating some of the stress and worry over the colder months.”
Visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit for further information.
