Pension Credit Take-up Grinding to a Halt
February 4, 2005 10:47 PM
Pensioners know what a difference the Lib Dem's proposed £25 per week extra pension would make to people over 75.
Epsom & Ewell Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Jonathan Lees has discovered that there are likely to be in the region of over 870 households in Epsom & Ewell eligible for the new Pension Credit but not receiving it. Pension Credit is an entitlement for people living in Great Britain aged 60 or over. It should guarantee everyone an income of at least £105.45 for single pensioners and £160.95 a week for pensioner couples.
"The Labour Government should be ashamed that so many of this country's poorest pensioners are still living beneath the poverty line. Things have gone from bad to worse with the new Pension Credit", said Mr Lees, "These figures show that large numbers of vulnerable pensioners are set to miss out on the help they desperately need."
"The only guaranteed way to ensure that pensioners have dignity and security in old age is through a decent state pension, payable as of right", he continued, "That is why Liberal Democrats would guarantee £100 a month more on the pension at 75, over £130 a month for couples over 75, lifting a million pensioners out of means-testing at a stroke."
To apply for Pension Credit call free on 0800 99 1234 or text-phone 0800 169 0133. Lines open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturdays.