6 October 2004 - 2 billion extra a year going to pensioners
The first year of Pension Credit has made a real difference to the lives of Britain’s pensioners, Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks said today.
Since its introduction in October last year:
- 2 billion extra a year is going to pensioners
- 3.17 million people are receiving Pension Credit
- The average weekly household payment is £41.71
- Over 2 million women are getting help through Pension Credit
- 2 million pensioner households qualify for more help, or get help for the first time, with their council tax and/or rent.
Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said:
“The commitment to tackling poverty remains at the heart of this Government’s welfare agenda. Our approach has already cut absolute pensioner poverty by two thirds, lifting 1.8 million pensioners out of acute hardship. Pension Credit is taking the fight on poverty even further. But more than that, it also gets extra money to those who have managed to save something for their retirement, and have missed out in the past, ensuring it pays to save on top of the basic state pension.”
Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks said:
“In the last twelve months we have been able to get more money – £2 billion to our poorest and most vulnerable pensioners thanks to Pension Credit.
“We are talking about making a real difference with an average weekly payment of over £40 going straight into the hands of those who need it most. “Two-thirds of all those who are benefiting are women, who traditionally have lower rates of State Pension entitlement or savings to draw upon.
“We have worked hard to make Pension Credit as accessible as possible. Gone are the days of 40 page application forms and we have moved away from the intrusive weekly means tests of the past. Instead we have made applying straightforward, less intrusive and more focused on the customer’s needs.
“I am proud of what we have achieved over the last year. Government working closely with our partners have helped ensure that over 3 million people have benefited from Pension Credit – this is a real achievement. But there is always more to do and that is why I would urge anyone who has not applied to make that free phone call on 0800 99 1234. Your application can be backdated by up to twelve months, where appropriate, so you won’t miss out.”
Pension Credit has been payable since 6th October 2003. 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 a possible award at: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/calculator/home.asp
Notes for editors
- A DWP report on Pensions Credit - ‘The first year: making a real difference’ was also published today and will be sent to Pension Credit stakeholders. The report can be accessed on our website: www.pensions.gov.uk/pensioncredit
- 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.
- People with a higher income who are disabled, who are carers, or who have housing costs such as a mortgage, may still get Pension Credit.
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