20 June 2005 - Pension Credit take up at 3.29 million
Figures released today show that in March 05 nearly 3.29 million people (2.7 million households) were receiving Pension Credit.
This means an additional 65,000 individuals (50,000 households) started to receive Pension Credit in the first quarter of this year.
The average weekly award is £41.47 and 2.05 million households, or 2.48 million individuals, are getting more money as a direct result of Pension Credit.
Stephen Timms, Pensions Minister said:
“Pension Credit is an immediate and effective way of getting money to the least well off. The additional money has helped this Government lift nearly 2 million pensioners out of absolute poverty reducing the scandal of pensioner poverty by nearly two thirds.
“We will continue to work with voluntary organisations and stakeholders to improve take-up among harder to reach groups.”
Notes to Editors
- Pension Credit progress reports are published quarterly.
- To ensure that people do not lose out, customers whose applications are successful will have their entitlement backdated 12 months or to the date of entitlement if this is later.
- Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least £109.45 and £167.05.
- Extra amounts will be added for those who have relevant housing costs, severe disabilities or caring responsibilities. Rewards for those who have saved are also additional.
- To apply, people should call the Pension Credit application line free on 0800 99 1234. There is a textphone service for those who have hearing difficulties on 0800 169 0133.