Leeds pensioners missing out on £4,160 handed timely cash boost
Leeds City Council has urged pensioners across the city to check if they are eligible for an extra £80 a week - £4,160 a year - on average.
With cuts to winter fuel allowance, it's more important than ever to make sure you are getting pension credit if you are eligible. To receive this benefit, you must have reached the state pension age of 66 and tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single, or £332.95 if you have a partner.
If you have an income which is higher, you may still be eligible for a number of reasons, such as if you have a disability or if you care for someone. This means its always important to check if you are eligible.
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Now, Leeds City Council have said they are offering support to people across the city and are encouraging any eligible pensioners to make a claim for pension credit. They have already supported both Pension Credit Week of Action and Pension Credit Awareness Week earlier this year.
In addition, they have worked to make sure they are identifying households which are of pension age and are in receipt of council tax support who may be eligible. They are helping these pensioners to make their application.
Leeds City Council said: “We are working with partners to signpost the local support available to older people across Leeds and encouraging eligible pensioners to make a pension credit claim.
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"We supported both Pension Credit Week of Action and Pension Credit Awareness Week earlier this month, sharing relevant information and encouraging uptake of Pension Credit.
"We have also undertaken an exercise to identify pension age households in receipt of council tax support who could potentially be eligible for pension credit, which has so far led to 54 successful pension credit claims and an average increase in income of £83.23 per week for each household.
"Free, confidential and impartial help and advice is available on a range of money related matters such as energy, fuel, food and benefits through the council’s Money Information Centre. More information and details of support can be found here."