Alongside my role as MP for Sevenoaks and Swanley, I also serve in the Government as Minister for Pensions. I work every day to support our current pensioners and deliver for the record number of people across the country now saving for retirement.
Within this role, I am absolutely committed to ensuring people have access to the support and guidance needed, including plans to boost the take-up of pension credit to help the most vulnerable pensioners.
I am so pleased that 1.4 million people are already benefiting from Pension Credit nationwide – of which (as of August 2022) 1,360 pensioners were from here in Sevenoaks - however we also know more could benefit who have not yet applied. We must change this.
I urge anyone reading this to check whether they, or someone they know might be eligible for Pension Credit. You can do this by visiting the Pension Credit Calculator at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator or by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. The average Pension Credit payment is over £65 per week – that’s well over an extra £3,000 per year. Plus, getting Pension Credit can provide a passport to help with things like rent, council tax, Cold Weather Payments and a free TV licence for people aged 75 and over. All successful applications made by Friday 19th May will also mean you could be entitled to the first £301 Cost of Living Payment of 2023.
I am currently in the process of planning a drop-in event on 16th June for local pensioners to find out if they are eligible for Pension Credit. If this would be of interest to you, or someone you know, please email my office at [email protected] to register your interest.
