UK GOVERNMENT MUST MAKE APPLYING FOR PENSION CREDIT EASIER

I used a Point of Order in the House of Commons to highlight the obstacles which prevent older people applying for Pension Credit which means only 2 in 5 eligible pensioners are claiming, resulting in over £7.4 million going unclaimed in my constituency alone.

I recently discovered that the Pension Credit phone line, which those seeking to claim this support should phone to apply, is not properly staffed, with constituents reporting to me that they have given up after being left on hold for over half an hour. To make matters worse, there is no form available to apply by post unless you live in Northern Ireland.

This is a failure of the UK Government to ensure those who are eligible for this benefit can apply for it without undue difficulty. Access to this important support for our poorest pensioners must be urgently reviewed so that that the application process is as easy as possible for our older people who need and deserve this vital support.

Click below to watch.