Shropshire Council and Age UK Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are urging people over the state pension age to check if they are eligible for pension credit, winter fuel payments and other benefits they may be entitled to.

The call out follows the announcement of the closing date for applications on 21 December 2024.

The payments from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) tops up pension income and can help with day-to-day living costs.

Those over State Pension age, may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if they own their home or have savings. They could be eligible for Pension Credit if their weekly income is below £218.15 or, if they have a partner who lives with them, £332.95. Qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances.

People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:

· The Winter Fuel Payment*and other help with heating costs

· Help with rent and Council Tax

· A free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over

· Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments.

It is estimated that up to a third of pensioners (880,000) could be missing out on Pension Credit worth on average up to £3,900 per year.

Pension Credit calculator