The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a reminder to low-income pensioners to check whether they qualify for pension credit.
Under the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG), pensioners are entitled to a minimum weekly income and if they do not meet it then they can claim Pension Credit to make weekly income up to the MIG, as follows:
Why the 5th March Deadline?
There is no real deadline to claim MIG Pension Credit, you can apply anytime. That said, if you do so by 5 March 2024, the DWP suggests you will also be entitled to a cost of living payment of £299 under new, back dating rules.
Are you entitled to Pension Credit?
Check the DWP’s Pension Credit Calculator https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
Comment
If you are a pensioner, age 66 or older and have a low income, you should not wait and check today whether you qualify for pension credit and therefore the cost of living payment.