18 May 2004 - 2.45 million householders receiving Pension Credit
New Pension Credit take-up figures for April were released by the Department for Work and Pensions today.
The figures confirm that there are now 2.45 million pensioner households (2.96 million individuals) being paid Pension Credit an increase of 44,000 households (54,000 individuals) during April.
The average weekly award was £41.67 and of those receiving Pension Credit, 1.78 million households (2.15 million individuals) are now getting more money than was previously the case under the old Minimum Income Guarantee.
We have now written to every pensioner household in the country to tell them about Pension Credit. We are continuing to work with organisations such as Help The Aged, Age Concern and Citizens Advice, amongst others, both at a national and local level, to encourage eligible people to take up their entitlement.
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. Successful claims can be backdated twelve months, or to the date of entitlement if that is later.
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 (MIG) 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 £105.45 for single people and £160.95 for couples.
- For the first time, Pension Credit rewards people aged 65 and over for some of the savings and income they have put away for their retirement.
- Pensioner households who were not receiving MIG as at April 2003 have been contacted through a personalised letter inviting the customer to make an application.
- There are arrangements in place to allow payments to be backdated for up to 12 months or from the date of entitlement if that is later.
- From age 65, most pensioners will only have to report changes in savings and/ or 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
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