Nearly 100 Brent residents have claimed a total of £358,813 in previously unclaimed Pension Credit payments, thanks to help from the council.
On average, each pensioner is now receiving nearly £4,000 extra annually after the council reached out to more than 600 eligible households.
This follows the first phase of the campaign last year, which saw 148 pensioners receive £567,931 in unclaimed Pension Credit. The additional support can make a significant difference for pensioners, especially during the cost-of-living crisis.
Pension Credit is known as a passport benefit, unlocking additional assistance such as free TV licences, Housing Benefit, and Winter Fuel Payments. Payments can also be backdated.
Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Resident Support and Culture, said: “We are delighted to have helped nearly 250 local pensioners claim the financial assistance they are entitled to and which they were previously missing out on. The cost-of-living crisis is real and £4,000 a year can be life-changing, providing vital support for people who were previously struggling to make ends meet.
“However, we know there is still more than £2M in unclaimed Pension Credit across Brent, with more than 500 eligible households yet to claim.
“We will be contacting these households again, but letters can be missed so we urge everyone to check that they and their loved ones are receiving the benefits they are entitled to.
“With colder weather setting in and heating costs rising, it is essential that everyone receives the support that they are entitled to.”
This campaign was launched by the Mayor of London and Policy in Practice, a social policy and data analytics company.
To find out how to claim Pension Credit, visit the government’s website or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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