9 February 2004 - 80,000 More Receiving Pension Credit In January
Over 80,000 extra people were receiving Pension Credit at January 31st compared with a month earlier, new figures issued by the Department for Work and Pensions confirmed today.
The take-up figures showed that an additional 83,000 people (62,000 households) received the entitlement in January taking the total number of recipients up to 2.62 million (2.18 million households).
Welcoming the figures, Secretary of State, Andrew Smith, said:
“Just as we planned, more pensioners are getting extra money with every passing day. We are continuing to work hard to ensure that those pensioners who stand to benefit from Pension Credit make that crucial phone-call.
“It’s more generous than the old system, and amongst households gaining the average increase in income is now £11.80 per week.”
The figures, which take in the New Year holiday, also show the average weekly award is £43.50, with 96% of all calls continuing to be answered in 30 seconds.
Malcolm Wicks, Minister of State for Pensions, re-emphasised how straightforward it is to make an application.
“It couldn’t be easier to apply. The whole process takes just 20 minutes with a phone-call to our free-phone application line on 0800 99 1234. We will then send you the completed form and all you have to do is check the details are correct and return it with your signature to us.
“We are continuing to write to all pensioner households to tell them about Pension Credit and I urge anyone who knows a relative or friend who may be eligible to encourage them to apply.”
Pension Credit applications can be made via the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234. Calls are free except from some mobiles. There is a textphone service for those who have hearing difficulties on 0800 169 0133. A Pension Credit calculator is also available on the Pension Service website where people can get an estimate of any possible Pension Credit award at http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/calculator/home.asp
Notes for editors
- Pension Credit replaced the Minimum Income Guarantee and has been payable since October 6th 2003.
- The Pension Credit application line is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
- Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least £102.10 and £155.80 for couples, rising to £105.45 and £160.95 in April.
- For the first time, Pension Credit will reward people aged 65 and over for some of the savings and income they have put away for their retirement.
- All pensioner households who were not receiving MIG as at April 2003 are being contacted between April 2003 and mid 2004 through a personalised letter inviting the customer to make an application.
- To ensure that pensioners applying after October do not lose out, there will be a special 12 month backdating provision until October 2004. Those applying before October 2004, who are entitled, will have their applications backdated to October 2003, or the earliest date of entitlement.
- From age 65, most pensioners will only have to report changes in income once every five years, effectively abolishing the old weekly means test.
- Extra amounts will be added for those who have relevant housing costs, severe disabilities or caring responsibilities
Press office: 020 7238 0643
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk