Over 1,000 North West Hampshire pensioner households missing out on Pension Credit

10.34.34pm GMT Thu 10th Feb 2005

New figures released today by North West Hampshire Liberal Democrat campaigner, Martin Tod, have revealed that there are likely to be in the region of 1,173 households in North West Hampshire eligible for the new Pension Credit but not receiving it.

Martin Tod discussing the Government's pension plans with local pensioner, Mrs Ellen Moss, of Tadley.

Mr Tod commented:

"Pensioners continue to get a bad deal from this Government. Schemes such as the Pension Credit are complex and confusing. Rather than forcing pensioners to apply for means-tested benefits the Government should be making sure that every pensioner gets a good basic pension."

"In the last few months take-up of Pension Credit has plummeted. The Government's own figures would suggest that over a thousand local pensioners are not getting money to which they are entitled."

"A Citizen's Pension would mean that every pensioner would receive an adequate basic pension and people would not be penalised for saving for their retirement. The Liberal Democrat manifesto has costed plans that would guarantee £100 a month more on the pension at 75, over £130 a month for couples over 75, lifting a million pensioners out of means-testing at a stroke."

Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. It should guarantee everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least £105.45 for single pensioners and £160.95 a week for pensioner couples.

You can apply for Pension Credit by calling the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234, textphone 0800 169 0133. Lines are open between 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.