A few weeks ago, I wrote in my column about the importance of checking if you, or someone you know, is eligible for Pension Credit.
And, ahead of next week’s Pension Credit Action Week, I am delighted to announce I will be hosting a Pensioner Drop-in event on Friday 16th June,11.00am-12.30pm at the Lounge Area, Alexandra Suite in Swanley.
The event will provide advice and guidance to local pensioners on what support is available to them, so please do come along and help us spread the word to those who may be interested and able to benefit.
As many of you will already know, Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £201.05 a week for single pensioners or £306.85 for couples, and is used as a gateway to accessing other benefits such as a free TV licence, Cold Weather Payments, and the Government’s cost of living payments worth £900 this year. Sadly, around a third of those eligible for Pension Credit are not claiming it and could be missing out on extra money each week. I want to change this.
A number of local services will also be exhibiting at the drop in, including Citizens Advice, Age UK, Kent County Council and the Sevenoaks Seniors Action Forum. Representatives will be there to help answer your questions and offer advice on a range of topics including cost of living, health and wellbeing and local initiatives.
For example, Sue Larken from Age UK Sevenoaks and Tonbridge (or ‘Pop-up Sue’, as she is more fondly known) will be on hand to discuss the gentle exercise coffee mornings that she runs to help pensioners improve their strength and balance.
Sue’s fantastic work locally helps prevent loneliness and reduce falls amongst the over 50’s with strength, mobility, and balance classes. It was wonderful to see the class in action last year, and I highly recommend it.
If you have any questions in advance, please do drop my office an email at [email protected]. It should be a fantastic morning and I look forward to seeing many of you there.
