The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to send out a vital letter that could lead to an income boost of over £4,000 this year for some recipients. Fresh data from the DWP reveals that 12.9 million people are currently claiming the State Pension.
Of these, 4.1 million are on the New State Pension (post-April 2016), while 8.8 million are receiving the Basic (or Old) State Pension (pre-April 2016). Both the New and Basic State Pensions are due to increase by 4.1% in April under the earnings growth measure of the Triple Lock.
However, additional elements, along with working age and disability benefits, will rise by 1.7% according to the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate. The DWP will post a letter to every pensioner before the payments increase on April 7, typically arriving in March, as reported by the Daily Record.
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It’s crucial that recipients read this letter to confirm the correct amount they will receive. An important leaflet included with the letter could potentially boost annual income by an average of £4,200.
This leaflet offers information on how to claim Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit, and urges pensioners to verify their entitlement. It’s vital for all elderly individuals – whether single, married or cohabiting – to ensure they’re claiming all the extra financial aid they’re entitled to in 2025 to help boost their income and offset the ongoing cost of living crisis, reports the Mirror.
The eligibility criteria for the annual Winter Fuel Payment have been altered, meaning that only pensioners receiving certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, will be eligible for the 2024/25 payment. Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit, designed to provide additional financial assistance for older people on low incomes – both singles and couples.
Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 living in Scotland, are currently benefiting from this means-tested support. Some elderly people mistakenly think that having savings or owning their home makes them ineligible for this means-tested benefit, which can also offer help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.
An award of just £1 per week can unlock further support.