1400 Local Pensioners Missing Out on Pension Credit - Annette Brooke MP

12.10.23pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 28th Oct 2005

1400 pensioners are missing out on their entitlement

New figures on the take up of Pension Credit show that 1400 pensioners in the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs.

Annette Brooke MP said:

"It is a scandal that so many poorer older people are missing out on money they should be getting as of right. And for Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency, this scandal represents a loss to the local economy of as much as £52 441.

"In the short term, I hope everyone who is unsure about their entitlements rings the Pension Service helpline to find out if they are missing out. The helpline is available Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm and Saturday 9am - 1pm on freephone 0800 99 1234".

"In the long term, we need to provide pensioners with a decent pension that isn't falling further and further below the poverty line each year."

The Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over 60 with low incomes. It ensures that an individual doesn't live on less than £109.45 a week, and a couple on less than £167.05 a week.