Menu
06/07/2004
Pensioners receiving more money under new Credit scheme
A new report today showed that 1.83 million pensioner households are getting more money through Pension Credit than was the case under the old Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) system.
The report, 'A review of the campaign to May 2004', published by the Department for Work and Pensions, revealed that 270,000 households that were eligible for MIG but did not take up their entitlement, are now claiming Pension Credit.
More pensioners are receiving more money than they ever did before. For example, by March 2004 over 630,000 households were receiving between £20 and £30 each week, an increase of 74% on MIG levels. The 1.83 million households now gaining through Pension Credit are better off by £15.41 a week.
Welcoming the report, Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks, said: "This report shows what Pension Credit is all about: Helping the poorest pensioners.
"We are now delivering significant help to those poorer pensioners who for decades have been ignored. The extra money that Pension Credit represents each week is significant with the average weekly payment for May at £42.42. This is the sort of vital help that will be missed out on if Pension Credit were to be scrapped."
Today's report provides an analysis of how much pensioners have benefited through Pension Credit as well as customers' experience of the application line, the application procedure and the marketing campaign. Successful claims can be backdated to October 2003 or to the date of entitlement if that is later.
Pension Credit replaced the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and has been payable since October 6th 2003. Applications can be made via the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234.
(MB)
The report, 'A review of the campaign to May 2004', published by the Department for Work and Pensions, revealed that 270,000 households that were eligible for MIG but did not take up their entitlement, are now claiming Pension Credit.
More pensioners are receiving more money than they ever did before. For example, by March 2004 over 630,000 households were receiving between £20 and £30 each week, an increase of 74% on MIG levels. The 1.83 million households now gaining through Pension Credit are better off by £15.41 a week.
Welcoming the report, Pensions Minister, Malcolm Wicks, said: "This report shows what Pension Credit is all about: Helping the poorest pensioners.
"We are now delivering significant help to those poorer pensioners who for decades have been ignored. The extra money that Pension Credit represents each week is significant with the average weekly payment for May at £42.42. This is the sort of vital help that will be missed out on if Pension Credit were to be scrapped."
Today's report provides an analysis of how much pensioners have benefited through Pension Credit as well as customers' experience of the application line, the application procedure and the marketing campaign. Successful claims can be backdated to October 2003 or to the date of entitlement if that is later.
Pension Credit replaced the Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) and has been payable since October 6th 2003. Applications can be made via the freephone Pension Credit application line on 0800 99 1234.
(MB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 May 2012
Generous Parents Hurting Grown-Up Children's Credit Rating
Free credit report service Noddle has warned that parents are inadvertently placing their adult children at a financial disadvantage by taking out credit and paying essential bills on their behalf.
Generous Parents Hurting Grown-Up Children's Credit Rating
Free credit report service Noddle has warned that parents are inadvertently placing their adult children at a financial disadvantage by taking out credit and paying essential bills on their behalf.
01 February 2011
New Rights To Benefit Consumers
Consumers should take advantage of new rights aimed at protecting them and encouraging lenders to act more responsibly, Consumer Minister Edward Davey said today as the EU Consumer Credit Directive came into force.
New Rights To Benefit Consumers
Consumers should take advantage of new rights aimed at protecting them and encouraging lenders to act more responsibly, Consumer Minister Edward Davey said today as the EU Consumer Credit Directive came into force.
30 March 2005
Government figures reveal drop in poverty figures
Fewer pensioners and children are living in poverty, new government figures have revealed. A report by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that absolute pensioner poverty has dropped from 2.8 million in 1997 to 900,000 today, a drop of two-thirds.
Government figures reveal drop in poverty figures
Fewer pensioners and children are living in poverty, new government figures have revealed. A report by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that absolute pensioner poverty has dropped from 2.8 million in 1997 to 900,000 today, a drop of two-thirds.
06 October 2004
Pensioners receiving £2 billion extra per year, says Minister
The first year of Pension Credit has made a real difference to the lives of Britain's pensioners, Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks said today. Since its introduction in October last year £2 billion extra a year is going to pensioners with 3.17 million people receiving the extra income.
Pensioners receiving £2 billion extra per year, says Minister
The first year of Pension Credit has made a real difference to the lives of Britain's pensioners, Pensions Minister Malcolm Wicks said today. Since its introduction in October last year £2 billion extra a year is going to pensioners with 3.17 million people receiving the extra income.
24 April 2008
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
Report Shows Government Is Failing Pensioners In Fuel Poverty
The Government is failing pensioners and poor families in fuel poverty, according to a coalition of Age Concern, Child Poverty Action Group, and National Energy Action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
