A staggering £17 million worth of Pension Credit benefit is going unclaimed in Tower Hamlets.
Data from the council has revealed more than 4,000 households in the borough are missing out on payments worth on average £3,900 a year.
Pension Credit can also unlock access to a range of support including:
- Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 (if you claim before Saturday 21 December 2024)
- Free TV licence if you’re 75 or over
- Help with NHS costs such as prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
The council is launching the Credit Where Credit Is Due campaign today in partnership with community groups in the Tower Hamlets Community Advice Network.
We are also calling on friends and family to support elders in the community to access Pension Credit.
There may be many barriers as to why people are not accessing this free benefit, and we want everyone to work together, young and old to increase uptake.
Fetuma Hassan, Young Mayor of Tower Hamlets said:
“I am supporting the Credit Where Credit Is Due campaign and will definitely check in with my grandparents to make sure they are getting all the benefits they are entitled to.
“It’s so easy to do, just one click and that could lead to being nearly £4,000 a year better off. It really is a no brainer.”
80-year-old Elizabeth Adebisi is urging residents to use the online benefits calculator to find out what they are entitled too.
Elizabeth said: “Many people may not know what they are entitled, and it is important as the is a lot of support for residents. I am really pleased the council is highlighting this support and if you don’t know how to fill in the form, please speak to a family member of friend to help you.”
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:
“An extra £3,900 a year can make a huge difference for hard-pressed households and in many cases be life changing.
“We are also asking friends, families and neighbours to encourage their loved ones to apply for their Pension Credit, so that they are not missing out on this vital benefit.”
Cllr Saied Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Resources and Cost of Living added:
“We are working with partners in the Tower Hamlets Community Advice Network to make sure we can reach as many residents as possible. Just click on the Pension Credit Calculator and see what you are entitled to.
To claim, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or apply online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit You will need the following information ready:
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about your income, savings and investments
- The details for the account you want the payment to go to
You can check whether you are eligible using the Pension Credit Calculator
If you need help using the calculator, or want to speak to an advisor, please call 020 7364 5040.
Or you can also pop into some of our Residents’ Hubs based at Idea Store Chrisp Street, Idea Store Bow and the one located at the Town Hall for face-to-face support with the calculator.
If you require face-to-face support with applying for Pension Credit, our Resident Support Outreach Team is here to help. You can contact them and book an appointment by emailing
LBTHResidentSupport@towerhamlets
Posted on Monday 25th November 2024