BBC expert says 7 UK areas 'targeted' over pension credit mistake made by 1million - full list

BBC expert says 7 UK areas 'targeted' over pension credit mistake made by 1million - full list Even if you're not part of these 7 areas, you are still being urged to check Almost one million people are being encouraged to check whether they're eligible for pension credit - an income top-up that can provide crucial support with everyday living costs. The alert comes from Consumer Journalist Louise Minchin, who said that 7 key areas across the UK are being "targeted." Appearing on BBC Morning Live on Friday, the expert explained that the UK Government has said some low-income pensioners could be missing out on an average of £4,500 in pension credit. "What the government wants to do is get people to check if they can claim for it - or if someone they love can claim for it - and they are targeting seven areas in the UK, posting 660,000 leaflets through doors." These 7 areas include: - Glasgow - Manchester - East Suffolk - Cornwall - Birmingham - Powys - Stockton-on-Trent Don't worry if you don't live in these 7 areas, the BBC expert reassures: "If you’re not living in one of those areas, you are not being targeted by the leaflets. But you could still be eligible." 1.2 million eligible people 'missing out' Louise stressed that over one million people are not getting the money they're entitled to, noting that the "figures are really stark". The charity Independent Age said that between 2023 and 2024, 1.2 million older people were missing out on getting pension credit they were entitled to, she explained. The report from the charity reads: "Too many older households are missing out on this support: the latest available data shows just 62% of households eligible for Pension Credit receive it, with as many as 1.2 million eligible older people missing out on this entitlement." What is pension credit? Pension credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your income if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It is separate from the State Pension and can top up someone’s weekly income. How much you get depends on your personal circumstances. If you are single, you could claim £238. If you have a joint income, this rises to £363.25. "The good news is that it's going up", Louise reminded viewers. She explained: "The government announced in last month's budget that from April, it is going to increase to £247.30 per week if you are single and £377.40 a week if you’re a couple." You could get extra benefits, BBC expert says Claiming Pension Credit is really important because it can unlock extra discounts and support, such as Council Tax Reduction and other help through schemes like Warm Home Discount. If you’re aged 75 or over, it can also mean you qualify for a free TV Licence. It's worth applying even if you think you’ll only get a small amount, as pension credit can "unlock" other discounts, Louise stresses. You may also be able to get extra money on top if you have a disability or caring responsibilities. For example, if you have a severe disability, you could get an extra £86.05 a week. And if you care for another adult, you may be able to get an extra £48.15. Pension credit myths "There are quite a lot of misconceptions about who could be eligible", Louise says. For example: "If you have less than £10,000 in savings and investments, that will not affect you applying for pension credit. "Even if you had more than £10,000, it doesn’t automatically rule you out. It might just reduce what you’re entitled to." Louise further explained that if you’ve been turned down before, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to be turned down again because your circumstances might change. Additionally, if you have a private pension, you might still be eligible "if your private pension doesn’t take you up to that threshold." How can I check if I'm eligible for pension credit? Louise urges people to check to see if you - or your loved one - is eligible by contacting the government. You will need to have to hand: - National Insurance number - Bank account details - Information about your income, savings and investments - Your pension information, if you have one. - Details of any housing costs, benefits and allowances If you live in England, Scotland and Wales: Call 0800 99 1234 - and go to this website. For Northern Ireland: Call 0808 100 6165. Or go to this website This is a 'major Government campaign' The release from the Department for Work and Pensions, published last month, explains that these leaflets are "part of the major Government campaign to ensure low-income households do not miss out." Gov.uk explains: "As pensioners continue to feel cost-of-living pressures, the Government is making sure they have vital support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, Attendance Allowance and the State Pension, which is set to rise by up to £2,100 over this Parliament. "The advice will guide pensioners through how to apply to Pension Credit, and how to support a family member with a claim, while busting common myths about eligibility, including that homeowners or pensioners with savings cannot claim." 'Far too many are missing out' Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: "Far too many pensioners are missing out on support they’re entitled to. Pension Credit is worth more than £4,500 a year on average and can make a real difference to people’s finances, while also opening the door to help with bills and other everyday costs. "If you think you might be eligible, it’s worth checking. We want to make sure pensioners get the support they’re entitled to and don’t miss out on money that could help them in retirement." Pensioners who need additional guidance and support in their retirement are also being urged to seek advice from a number of charities, including Independent Age and Citizens Advice.