Bedford pensioners could be missing out on over £2,700 extra each year

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats are asking pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit so that they don't miss out on around £2,700 extra per year plus access to further passported benefits. If eligible, applying before 24th August will also provide residents with extra cost of living payments of £650 and £300. Latest figures estimate that 123 Bedford Borough residents are not claiming Pension Credit that they are eligible for.

You are eligible to claim Pension Credit if you are:

• a single pensioner with income less than £182.60 per week
• in a couple with another pensioner with joint income less than £278.70 per week

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to the standard minimum guarantee shown above. It also acts as a gateway for further support by allowing residents to receive Council Tax Support, Housing Benefit, NHS discounts and a free TV licence if you're over 75. Bedford Borough Council is one of the few local authorities that offers 100% Council Tax Support to those receiving Pension Credit. By claiming Pension Credit before 24th August, residents will also benefit from the £650 cost of living payment as well as an extra £300 added to their Winter Fuel Payments.

Portfolio Holder for Adult Services Councillor Dean Crofts said "It is important that residents get the support they are entitled to, especially given the huge rises in the cost of living. We are in the process of trying to identify those residents who are missing out on this benefit, but in the meantime I urge all pensioners to check whether they are eligible before 24th August."

To find out if you're eligible for Pension Credit and to see how much you may be entitled to visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator