One week left to qualify for the final cost of living payment

Age UK urges all pensioners on a low income to put in a claim for Pension Credit by Tuesday 5^th March to receive the final £299 cost of living payment to help with winter bills

Older people on a low income have until Tuesday 5^th March 2024[i] – to put in a claim for Pension Credit[ii]  in order to qualify for the Government’s final cost of living payment of £299.

A claim for Pension Credit can not only boost someone’s weekly income but, if they make a successful claim by this date and qualify[iii] for the full three months backdated payment, they will also receive the final cost of living payment. When making an application for Pension Credit, Age UK recommends people should make sure they ask for their claim to be backdated.

Despite the considerable financial benefits, around 800,000 pensioner households (37 per cent) of those eligible for Pension Credit are still missing out – a huge concern, especially as energy prices are still substantially higher than 2021.  On average these households are missing out on £41 a week (£2,132 a year) of Pension Credit.

As part of Age UK’s It Doesn’t Add Up campaign, the Charity is urging anyone living on a low income or struggling with their bills to contact Age UK’s free Advice line on 0800 678 1602 without delay to check they’re receiving all the financial support available to them.  Alternatively, people can visit www.ageuk.org.uk/money or contact their local Age UK for further information and advice.

Caroline Abrahams CBE, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “Energy prices still remain high, so it’s never been more important to check whether you can make a claim for extra help to cover the higher costs of winter.

“Right now, every penny counts so we urge anyone who is feeling the pinch to contact Age UK for advice and a free benefits check.  There are hundreds of thousands of older people who could be much better off but it’s only available if you claim Pension Credit.  A successful claim for Pension Credit could top up an older person’s weekly income and mean the difference of keeping warm and eating well.”

Age UK’s three top tips to help older people put more money in their pocket:

1. Speak up: If you’re finding it hard to cope financially and worried about the winter months ahead, don’t suffer alone. Age UK knows what to do and is here to help. Call Age UK’s Advice line on 0800 678 1602.
2. Get a benefits check: There are lots of different benefits available – and you might qualify for more than one. If you are living on a low fixed income and qualify for Pension Credit, you could also be entitled to this year’s final Cost of Living Payment of £299 if you apply on or before Tuesday 5^th March 2024. Find your nearest local Age UK by calling Age UK’s Advice line on 0800 678 1602 or visit ageuk.org.uk/local.  
3. Seek help with debt: Anyone can get into debt, especially when groceries and household bills are high. It is rare to be disconnected if you fall behind with your energy bills as all suppliers must follow rules on how they treat customers in this position. Try to remember that you are not alone and it’s never too late to seek help. Check Age UK’s guide Getting help with debt.

Age UK hosts a free and anonymous Benefits Calculator, available via www.ageuk.org.uk which can provide an estimate of the benefits that people could be entitled to.

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.