Credit where credit is due
With less than a month to go until Christmas and the onset of cold weather, old folk and their relatives and neighbours in Stevenage are being urged by their MP Barbara Follett to claim a number of benefits which are easier to access than ever before.
Mrs Follett said “Many pensioners are losing out to the tune of hundreds of pounds a year, or even more, simply because they or their relatives are unaware of government initiatives entitling them to money which they more than contributed to during their working lives.”
Different pensioner payments are now easier to claim than ever before because they have been brought under the umbrella of one user-friendly service called the ‘Pension Service’, run by the Department of Work & Pensions.
Payments pensioners in Stevenage might not be claiming include:
- Winter Fuel Payments (call 0845 9 15 15 15)
- One-off 70+ payments
- Pension credits
- Council tax benefits
The pensions service has a network of centres across the country that can be contacted by telephoning their helpline on 0845 6060265. The service pledges to make winter fuel payments by Christmas for those who apply soon.
A clear and comprehensive guide to initiatives to boost the income of our elderly in Stevenage is also published on the web at: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
Mrs Follett added “I urge family members, friends and neighbours keep an eye on our elderly folk and ensure that they receive money to which they are entitled. Payments and pension credits can make such a difference to both pensioner households and those elderly residents living alone. Responsive, dedicated people are waiting at the end of the telephone line to action inquiries as quickly as possible.”
Issued: 30.11.04
Further information
Please contact Faye Bunch via the 'Contact' page, or by fax on 020 7219 1158.
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