Martin Lewis warns 'one thing' could see 800,000 people in UK better off
Martin Lewis issued a warning on ITV This Morning that could see 800,000 people in the UK better off. The financial guru discussed winter fuel payments and pension credit during an appearance on the show on Tuesday, September 17.
He made a plea to viewers, telling how hundreds of thousands of pensioners on a low income are not claiming a benefit they are eligible for. Martin said: "There are 1.2million pensioners claiming pension credit, there are thought to be more than 800,000 eligible pensioners on low income who should be claiming pension credit who aren't."
He added: "800,000 of the poorest people in our country, the poorest old people, who should be getting winter fuel payment won't get it because they don't claim [pension credit]. You can change that, whatever age you are, if you know a low-income pensioner, we all collectively as a community have a responsibility to try and make sure they get what they’re due.
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"Don't force it, it's just a polite word: 'By the way, have you heard about that winter fuel payment, that pension credit, have you checked whether you're eligible?' If you think they're on a low income!"
Martin encouraged people to check if they are eligible, Mirror reports. He said: "There's nothing wrong with checking and finding out you're not eligible.
"Do not do it because you're scared you'll be told no, that isn't a problem, it's perfectly fine!"