Helping people to claim Pension Credit and other support

The Council has been working with partners to help people who qualify to apply for Pension Credit and other financial support. 
 
Those who qualify for Pension Credit also automatically become eligible for a range of other support, including the Winter Fuel Allowance. 

Wakefield’s Residents First Group held a series of advice sessions from autumn to the end of 2024. They encouraged retirees to come to one of their community sessions to speak to a friendly advisor. 

More than 120 people attended. With many receiving a welcome boost to their finances, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of pounds per person. 
 
Nationally, 880,000 pensioners are missing out on £3,900 of Pension Credit and the additional support available. 

The expert advisors checked if people were entitled to Pension Credit, which would make them eligible for other support including NHS dental treatment and glasses, transport costs for hospital appointments, housing benefit, council tax support and for over 75’s a free TV licence.
  
An award of just £1 in Pension Credit allows retirees to receive the Winter Fuel Allowance. 
 
People who are not pensioners were also welcome to come to events, to talk to advisors, to see if they’re eligible for additional help or for general cost of living support. 

The Residents First Group is a partnership of organisations including Wakefield Council, Citizens Advice Wakefield District, WDH, and local Voluntary, Community, Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations. 

Simon Topham, chair of the Residents First Group, said: “We’ve had a great response. And we’re so pleased to be making a difference to residents. We know from using national figures this means around 4,000 local pensioners in Wakefield District are missing out on Pension Credits and could miss out on the Winter Fuel payment and a lot of other benefits. We have raised awareness and helped many people to make claims.” 

To find out more visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/PensionCredit