15 March 2004 - 110,000 new Pension Credit customers in February
New figures out today show that 110,000 additional people (83,000 households) started receiving Pension Credit in February, so extra help from Pension Credit is rapidly reaching more people.
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that the overall number of recipients had risen to 2.73 million individuals (2.26 million households) across the country since Pension Credit was introduced in October.
Welcoming the figures, Secretary of State, Andrew Smith said:
“Today’s figures show that people up and down the country are claiming the money and help that they are entitled to. There is no doubt that Pension Credit is playing a crucial role in rewarding people who have saved for retirement and in lifting pensioners out of poverty.
“Through Pension Credit many pensioners have got access to Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit for the first time, not previously realising they were eligible for additional help. I want to see as many pensioners as possible get the help they need and urge anyone who has not applied to contact us.”
As of 29th February, the average Pension Credit weekly award was confirmed at £42.60 with over 1.93 million people (1.61 million households) gaining extra money compared with the old system.
Minister for Pensions, Malcolm Wicks, said:
“Our approach to ensuring pensioners take -up Pension Credit has been shown to be the right one. The number of successful applications has continued to go up over recent months and the Pension Service must take credit for ensuring that pensioners are able to make their application in a simple and straightforward manner.
“The Pension Service is continuing to write to all pensioners but if you may be eligible or know someone who is, then you can still pick up the phone and dial 0800 99 1234 where our Pension Service staff will take you through the application. It’s that simple.”
Pension Credit applications can be made via the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234. 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 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.
- Extra amounts will be added for those who have relevant housing costs, severe disabilities or caring responsibilities.
- For further information please contact: Stewart Todd on 020 7238 6043.
Press office: 020 7238 0643
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk