Tiverton & Honiton MP calls for Government to help people claim pension credit
Liberal Democrat MP Richard Foord was speaking in Parliament yesterday
Yesterday in Parliament, Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton & Honiton Richard Foord called for the Government to help pensioners get the money they are eligible for.
There are 27,349 people claiming the state pension within the Tiverton & Honiton constituency, representing over one quarter of local people – the 14th highest concentration in the country.
Pension credit is a benefit available to people who have reached state pension age. The purpose of credit is to top up low incomes – ensuring you get at least £182.60 a week if you’re single or £278.70 if you have a partner.
Receiving Pension Credit also makes you eligible for the Government's £324 Cost of Living support payment. To receive this, pensioners must be claiming pension Credit before the 19th December - so the clock is already ticking.
Speaking in Westminster Hall yesterday afternoon (October 26), Mr Foord called for the Government to honour their commitment to maintain the triple lock and restart monitoring the uptake of Pension Credit.
Commenting after the debate, Richard Foord MP said: “Pensioners are really feeling the squeeze. Many are already struggling to make ends meet, and things will only get worse as the months get colder.
“Pension Credit is a vital source of extra income, particularly for those receiving the Basic State Pension. This money can be the difference between putting food on the table or putting the heating on.
“Claiming this benefit also makes you eligible for additional support – such as the free TV licence for over-75s. In the midst of a cost of living crisis, we should be doing all we can to help people claim the money they are legally entitled to.
“The Government must act to ensure everyone who is eligible for Pension Credit receives it, resume monitoring uptake so we can help those missing out, and protect the triple lock so inflation doesn’t eat away at pensioner’s incomes.
"I urge those who get a pension to check if you qualify for Pension Credit and if so to claim it before 19th December, so you don't miss out on money you are eligible for this winter.”
To find out more about pension credit, visit the GOV.UK website.