Conor McGinn calls on older residents to check eligibility for £650 cost of living payment

Across the UK, around 1.4 million pensioners receive Pension Credit, yet it is estimated that around 850,000 low-income households could be missing out on the added benefit.

This means that older people may be entitled to, but are not claiming up to £3,300 of vital support per year, as well as financial help with wider payments such as Council Tax.

During the worsening cost of living crisis, eligible residents also risk missing out on an additional payment of £650; which was announced in May to help pensioners tackle rising energy and food bills.

To receive the additional Cost of Living payment, residents must have been eligible for Pension Credit for any day between April 26 and May 25.

As Pension Credit applications can be backdated by three months, claims must be made by 18 August to fully meet the criteria.

Residents must also actively ask for claims to be backdated, as this will not be done automatically.

Labour MP for St Helens North, Conor McGinn (Image: Conor McGinn MP)

Addressing the issue, St Helens North MP Conor McGinn MP said:

“If our older people in St Helens Borough are eligible for Pension Credit, they may also be able to receive £650 worth of extra support to help tackle the rocketing cost of living.

“At a time when bills, prices and the cost of living is rapidly rising for families and pensioners, it’s vital that people know where to get existing support like this, and how to access it.

“I encourage all those across our community who are entitled to make a claim by 18 August, to ensure you get the full, proper payment as swiftly as possible.”

Residents can find out if they, or their loved ones, are eligible for Pension Credit by visiting this website or by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on their dedicated hotline: 0800 99 1234.