Thank you for contacting me about the take up of Pension Credit.
I am committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they are entitled to, so they can enjoy dignity and security in their retirement. I am glad the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) engages with people who may be eligible for benefits at pivotal moments in their lives, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change in their circumstances.
Speaking with colleagues at the DWP, they assure me that they use a wide range of channels to communicate information about benefits to potential claimants, including gov.uk, leaflets and telephone. DWP staff in Pension Centres and Jobcentres are able to provide help and advice about entitlement to benefits, as are Local Authority staff who administer Housing Benefit.
People can also use the Pension Credit calculator (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator) to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can call 0800 99 1234 or can claim online.
Pension Credit pages on gov.uk have now also been updated, drawing attention to how Pension Credit can provide extra money as well as a range of other help for pensioners who get it. The online claim facility enables family, friends and organisations to help pensioners make a claim.
In 2021, over 11 million pensioners in Great Britain received messages about Pension Credit with their annual State Pension up-rating letter. I was particularly supportive of the Pension Credit media day of action last June which saw DWP work with outlets such as the BBC and Age UK to raise awareness of Pension Credit.
One of the best ways to reach eligible customers is through their community, which is why the DWP developed the Pension Credit 'toolkit' as an online resource for people in order to encourage take-up. It includes material for this year’s awareness campaign, as well as resources and suggestions to assist agencies and welfare rights organisations to encourage Pension Credit take-up and help pensioners apply for Pension Credit. It can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit.
I hope this reassures you of the efforts being made to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for Pension Credit, but I will continue to engage with the DWP and follow this issue closely.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.