Richmond Council has written to older residents who could be missing out on the support worth over £3,900 per year. Pension Credit can be a lifeline for those over the state pension age, providing people on low incomes with much needed extra support for living costs. 

Pension Credit is a payment to top up your income that you can apply for when you reach state pension age. How much you could get depends on the value of your current state pension, other income and any savings you may have.

Councillor Jim Millard, Richmond Council's deputy leader and finance lead, said: "Claiming Pension Credit can make a real difference for older residents who are feeling the pressure of rising living costs.

"It also acts as a gateway to extra support, including help with heating bills and rent, and can often be backdated, giving an added boost. I encourage anyone who may be eligible to apply." 

Pension Credit is known as a passport benefit, allowing those who claim to access additional support including:

• The Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs
• Help with rent and Council Tax
• Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
• Free TV licence for those over 75 

You can apply for Pension Credit over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234, online here, or by post. And for anyone unsure about eligibility or how much they might get, Richmond Council's online Cost of Living Support calculator can help. 

As well as claiming Pension Credit you could also apply for Attendance Allowance if you are sick, disabled or have caring needs. This is extra help for people aged 66 and over who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability.

Attendance Allowance can be worth up to £110.40 per week. To claim, call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 or visit GOV.UK. 

advertisement

If you would like support with claiming Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, you should contact Age UK Richmond or Citizens Advice Richmond. You can contact Age UK Richmond by emailing [email protected] or by calling 020 8878 3625. Age UK Richmond can also look at other grants or financial support you may be entitled to.

You can also contact Citizens Advice Richmond online or call 0808 278 7873. 

Support with the cost of living is available across Richmond upon Thames. Visit the Richmond Cost of Living Hub for up-to-date information on what's available nationally and locally, including community spaces and the council's free calculator. 

Residents can also sign up to receive cost of living updates directly to their inbox.