The majority of UK pensioners don’t like to ask for support or help from friends or family. (Image: Getty)
State pensions who missed the deadline for the are being urged to make sure they
Royal London, a pensions and life insurance provider, said its research had shown the majority of UK pensioners – 53% – do not like to ask for support or help from their friends or family, even if they need it.
The firm also found that 10% believed there were people who required more financial assistance than they did. This is despite almost 8 in 10 (79%) considering themselves financially savvy, with most claiming to use various benefits, offers and discount schemes available to them at retirement.
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said there is still an awareness gap around Pension Credit and the other benefits that claiming it entitles people to.
She said: “But our research also found that there is a sense of embarrassment associated with applying for benefits when there should be absolutely no shame in accepting help.
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“Despite the deadline having passed for applying for Pension Credit to allow you to claim the for this winter, pensioners can still check if they qualify for Pension Credit and apply to receive a valuable financial top-up in the coming year.
“Although the restriction of the has encouraged many thousands to apply for Pension Credit, other benefits that you could be able to claim because you’re receiving Pension Credit, such as help with housing costs through Housing Benefit and a reduction in Council Tax, could be worth much more than the .
“The easiest way to check if you qualify for Pension Credit is to use one of the free online benefit calculators, and, once you know that you can claim, you can apply via the Gov.uk website, post or phone.”
All pensioners are now being urged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit; Pension Credit helps with living costs for anyone over the age and on a low income.
Pension credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges, but it is estimated that over 750,000 eligible pensioners have failed to claim it.
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The benefit helps top up a weekly income of under £218 or £333 if you are in a couple. On average, it is worth around £75 a week, but it can unlock other benefits worth over £1000.
Royal London found that more than a fifth of state pensioners were unaware they were entitled to other benefits if they qualified for Pension Credit.
These include:
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you move house – 93% unaware
- Help with rent costs through Housing Benefit – 57% unaware
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs if you get certain types of Pension Credit – 47% unaware
- Help with Council Tax through the Council Tax Discount – 43% unaware
- A free TV Licence if you’re aged 75 or older – 41% unaware
Royal London has partnered with Pocket Power to offer pensioners a free 30-minute phone call. This service offers a bill-switching service, helping them save on their household bills and wider costs and supporting them with Pension Credit applications. On average, a Pocket Power call saves each person £250, which could provide critical support this winter.