Michelle Scrogham MP has joined with Barrow Citizen’s Advice to help eligible local pensioners to sign up for pension credit before 21 December deadline.

As part of the national government campaign to boost Pension Credit sign up the local MP and Barrow Citizen’s Advice have set up special helpline sessions to ensure pensioners sign up for Pension Credit in time to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment.

Although applications for Pension Credit have gone up by 145% since the government campaign started many eligible pensioners in Barrow and Furness are still not claiming the money they’re entitled to.

Pension Credit itself is worth £3,900 a year on average and also acts as a gateway to other funding beyond the Winter Fuel Payment. This means even just one pound could passport pensioners to extra help including help with Council tax and Housing Benefit.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible at www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator. And pensioners who own their own home or have savings or a private pension income could still be eligible particularly if they are carers or have a disability. With the deadline for applications looming Citizens Advice are advising local people to put in their applications even if they 100% sure of their eligibility.

People need to apply for Pension Credit by Saturday 21 December to be in time to receive the payment of up to £300. You can apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by phone on the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.

You’ll need the following information about you and your partner (if you have one):

• National Insurance number
• information about any income, savings and investments you have
• Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.

In order to support local pensioners with the application process, Michelle Scrogham MP and Citizens Advice Barrow are inviting all pensioners to call a specially set up Advice line to speak with advisors about how to apply.

Local people can call the special line on 07721 148088 which will be open at the following times next week:

• Monday, 16^th December 10am – 12 noon
• Tuesday, 17^th December, 9am – 11am

Outside of these times people can contact Michelle Scrogham MPs office direct by:

• Email: scrogham.mp@parliament.uk
• Telephone: 01229 343360 – Answered 9am -5pm, Monday to Friday

A spokesperson for Citizens Advice Barrow said,

“As the deadline to sign up and get your Winter Fuel Payment approaches it is important that we get as many people applying as possible. We know that many people are worried about their bills. If you, or someone you know, is concerned about losing their Winter Fuel Allowance please get in touch with us for help and advice.”

Michelle Scrogham MP said,

“This government is committed to supporting pensioners – with millions set to see their state pension rise by up to £1,900 this parliament through the commitment to the Triple Lock. 

“However, I understand that some might be worried about losing the Winter Fuel Payment – but often they don’t need to be as additional funding has been made available to support those in need.”

“I want to make sure that as many people from the local area as possible are signed up for Pension Credits by the deadline so that they can still receive the payment. 

“I would encourage anyone to either apply today or call our hotline number so we can help you to get the money you are eligible for.

The government has also made other support available, by delivering the £150 Warm Home Discount for low-income households from October and extending the Household Support Fund, to ensure local authorities can support vulnerable people and families. Visit Westmorland and Furness Council to check if you are eligible for support via the Household Support Fund.