We have to say, the Government have finally come out with something useful with no bureaucracy to be seen.
A new service is shortly to be launched called the Pension Service. Apparently it will be run to tell pensioners and the elderly what state benefits they are entitled to. It will also make people aware of benefits and discounts available from their local authorities, helping peoples pension income go that little bit further.
Although we are not yet sure where the service will be based, in our view, this is fantastic. There are so many people out there not claiming for what they are entitled. Take the Minimum Income Guarantee, it is means tested and fairly complex to get hold of. You also have to make the first move and apply for it.
Until now there has rarely been an opportunity for people to sit down and be told what they are entitled to. This is the type of change we like to see from Government - educating the consumer. Hopefully, the service will be local and easily accessible for everyone needing it.
If you want to know what State Pension Benefits you may be entitled to either now or when you retire why not download a BR19 State Pension Forecast Form?