Charity urges elderly Warwickshire residents to apply for Government funding to help with cost of living

Older people in Coventry and Warwickshire living on a low income have until this weekend to apply for help with the cost of living.

Sunday (December 18) marks the deadline to put in a claim for Pension Credit in order to qualify for the second part of the Government’s cost-of-living payment – a £324 lump sum.

Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire is urging all older people who are struggling on a low income and who are not already in receipt of Pension Credit to put in a claim.

Announced as part of its original energy support package, the Government’s Cost of Living Payment will be paid to those in receipt of Pension Credit (and other qualifying benefits).

To be eligible for the second lump sum, older people must have been entitled to a Pension Credit payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) in the period between August 26 and September 25, 2022.

Because an application for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months, those who begin the claiming process by December 18 and are successful can meet the eligibility criteria for the extra £324.

As well as providing an income boost and automatically qualifying them for the Government’s Cost of Living Payment, Pension Credit also opens the door for other support such as; the Warm Home Discount Scheme, a Cold Weather Payment, help with Council Tax and rent, reduced water bills, a free TV licence (if over 75)

Pension Credit is separate from the State Pension and comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

Michael Garrett, Chief Executive at Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire, said: “Our advice team enable older people to claim almost £1 million in benefits each year.

"Gaining access to this cost of living lump sum will make a real difference this winter.”

To make a claim for Pension Credit, people should call the DWP Pension Credit claim line direct on 0800 99 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. It can be claimed by phone and online.

For further information and advice, contact Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire on 02476 433 983 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9.30 to 2pm.