TV campaign urges 'pick up' Pension Credit

A major new TV advertising campaign designed to encourage older people to claim Pension Credit was launched today.

Running alongside mailshots to every pensioner household, which started in April, the campaign urges pensioners to 'pick up' their Pension Credit which, from October 6 2003, will give an average of an extra £400 each year to half of all pensioner households.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Andrew Smith said: "Pension Credit is good news for our country's older people. For the first time ever the Government will reward pensioners for saving towards their retirement.

"These new advertisements give out the message that claiming Pension Credit couldn't be easier - and I want as many pensioners as possible to claim what is rightfully theirs.

"More than 2.1 million people are already set to receive Pension Credit on 6th October. But for those who haven't yet applied, I would urge them to call the Pension Credit application line on 0800 991234."

This freephone 0800 991234 number will give access to a trained member of staff will collect details over the phone, fill in a form for the customer, and then post it out for signing. The pensioner checks the details are correct, signs the form and returns it.

The application line is open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.

Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least £102.10 and £155.80 for couples.

To ensure that pensioners applying after October do not lose out, there will be a special 12-month backdating provision until October 2004. Those applying before October 2004, who are entitled, will have their applications backdated to October 2003, or the earliest date of entitlement.

From aged 65, most pensioners will only have to report changes in income once every five years, effectively abolishing the old weekly means test.

(SP)