Hundreds more older people in Middlesbrough could receive financial help and support

Around 400,000 state pensioners on more modest incomes may have to start paying income tax on their pensions by 2028
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A new approach to identify older people in need of support could see hundreds in Middlesbrough receive more financial help this winter.

Council staff will write to 750 households that could be eligible for Pension Credit, an extra amount paid by Government to assist with living costs for people on low incomes. Those receiving Pension Credit are also entitled to receive other financial help, including support with heating bills during the coldest months.

Middlesbrough Council ’s Revenues and Benefits Team have now started work to maximise the number of eligible people receiving the extra help. And it says it will continue to regularly check its data ahead of the cut-off date for Pension Credit applications on December 21.

The council’s Welfare Rights service will also be available to support pensioners through the application process if they cannot apply directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Hundreds of households in Middlesbrough are entitled to extra financial help through Pension Credit and I’m delighted that the council is being proactive in making sure that everyone eligible has the opportunity to claim. Our older population have spent a lifetime contributing to our town and I want to see them receiving all the financial support they deserve.”

Council staff will also have a stall at the International Older Persons event held on October 2 at Middlesbrough Town Hall, which will focus on ensuring people are receiving the correct benefits.

Separately, a further round of the Government-funded Household Support Fund (HSF) is due which allows the council to distribute funding from October through to March next year.

Previously, the council scheme helped residents who may have ‘slipped through the cracks’ and are not in receipt of benefits or other forms of financial support.

Criteria has yet to be formally approved, but the latest round of funding will target those residents struggling with heating bills.

Those who may be eligible to claim Pension Credit can click here or call the Pension Credit Claim line on 0800 99 1234.

The council’s Welfare Rights team can be contacted on 01642 729242 or by emailing welfarerights@middlesbrough.gov.uk

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