One month to go: Pension Credit application deadline reminder for Thanet residents

Older residents in Thanet are today being urged to consider making an application for Pension Credit. 

People have until Saturday 21 December 2024 to claim Pension Credit and still qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment. 

The decision by the government to limit payment of the Winter Fuel Payment to people in receipt of Pension Credit, or another means-tested benefit, means eligible individuals could be missing out. It was previously automatically given to anyone of State Pension age.

Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with living costs, if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. Once someone is receiving Pension Credit they are also entitled to other help such as housing benefit, Council Tax discount, support for mortgage interest, free TV licence, help with heating costs, NHS dental treatment, glasses and transportation costs.

Thanet District Council’s Community Services team identified more than 300 households who were eligible for Pension Credit but were not currently receiving it. Further work has been undertaken by the Benefits team to signpost people to relevant information. The Tenant and Leaseholder Services team is contacting individuals that may be eligible for Pension Credit and providing assistance with applications.

Social Enterprise Kent is running an in-person, Pension Credit drop in session at 63-65 High Street, Margate on Thursday 21 November between 1pm and 4pm.

Anyone who wishes to apply for Pension Credit must bring the following, in order to complete their application:

• Last three months of bank statements
• National Insurance number 
• Savings information i.e. details of ISAs, etc.

Ongoing social media messaging from the council aims to reach the friends and family of older residents, who can then encourage or support their loved ones to apply. This includes sharing national campaign information from the Department for Work and Pensions as well as localised news on drop-in sessions being run by voluntary sector organisations. It has also featured in the council’s regular residents’ e-newsletter The Wave.

A report outlining all of the activities undertaken by Thanet District Council to increase the take up of those entitled to Pension Credit within the district, will be presented to Councillors at the Cabinet meeting on Thursday 28 November.

 Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community at Thanet District Council commented: “At a time when people are really struggling with living costs, it’s really important that they’re not missing out on benefits they’re entitled to. We know that as well as pensioners, there will be people below pension age who will be worried about the cost of food and heating this winter. I would urge everyone to spread the word about the deadline. I’d also ask that we all check in with older friends and family who might be unaware about the different types of support on offer. There are so many ways to get help.” 

People receiving certain benefits, including Pension Credit, could also be eligible for extra money to help keep warm during the cold weather, until the end of March 2025.

Cold Weather Payments of £25 are paid automatically to eligible households when the average temperature where they live has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, zero degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days. 

There is more information on Pension Credit on the government’s website: www.gov.uk/pension-credit 

Thanet District Council also has information on cost-of-living support, benefits and discounts available for residents. See www.thanet.gov.uk/cost-of-living to find out more.