Published: Tuesday, 15th October 2024
‘Residents should not feel too proud to claim what they're rightfully entitled to’ says Oldham’s political lead for finance.
This message comes as a staggering £7.9 million is being left unclaimed every year in Oldham by people eligible for pension credit.
According to the latest figures, more than 3,288 pensioners living in the borough currently miss out on their weekly income being topped up to £218.15 at the very least, with the government benefit averaging at £3,900 per year.
Some residents are entitled to even more depending on their current circumstances, including people who are carers, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
With no restrictions over how you can spend this extra income, pension credit can not only help pensioners with their bills but can also open up a range of other benefits too.
This includes things such as support with NHS dental care and assistance with heating costs.
Importantly, people can receive pension credit even if they have other income, savings, or own their own home, which are often some of the misconceptions preventing people from claiming what they're entitled to.
“While costs no longer rise at the pace they were last year, prices for many everyday items such as food still continue to increase slowly,” said Councillor Abdul Jabbar MBE, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Value for Money and Sustainability.
“That is why every penny in our pocket is vital and we must seek out opportunities, where possible, to maximise our incomes - especially for our elderly residents.
“In Oldham, thousands of pensioners are missing out on thousands of pounds every year – financial support that is rightfully in place to provide them with additional help towards their living costs.
“I understand some people may be too proud to take this, but as we’ve seen over the last few years, you never know what is next around that corner so it’s always useful to have this extra money handy for a rainy day if you don't need it right now.
“So I desperately urge anyone who has reached the State Pension age, to check out the government’s website and apply.
"This money is here for a reason, to support you, so please take this up if you can as there are various ways you can apply."
To check if you are eligible or to apply for pension credit, residents can visit the government’s website www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
Those needing additional support to do this can also contact Oldham Council's helpline on 0161 770 7007.
Alternatively, residents can visit the council’s new Customer Services Centre in Spindles, where staff are on hand to help people claim money that is rightfully theirs.
Oldham's Customer Services Centre is located opposite Rhode Island Coffee and is open Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.