Martin Lewis urges nearly one million people of State Pension age to check for 'crucial' annual income top-up

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Martin Lewis appeared on Good Morning Britain (GMB) on Tuesday to remind eight million people on means-tested benefits that £300 cost of living payments are due to land in their bank accounts between now and November 19.

The consumer champion also urged nearly one million pensioners on a low income to check for an “absolutely crucial benefit” worth thousands of pounds which can also provide access to the cost of living payments.Speaking from his home in London, Martin told GMB hosts Kate Garroway and Richard Madely: “The most important message I have for people about that cost of living payment - really important - while on most benefits you either get it or you don’t at this point, there’s a benefit called Pension Credit, which is specifically for lower income pensioners. “On that one, you can backdate the claim for three months, which means if you don’t get Pension Credit and you’re eligible for it you can still get that extra £300 - even if you were to claim now, or next week, or the week after.” Martin continued: “There are nearly one million pensioners in this country not getting that absolutely crucial benefit.“My rule of thumb on it, it’s not exact and I’m not telling people they are eligible, but if you’re a single pensioner earning less than £220 per week or you’re a pensioner couple earning less than £320 per week, then you should check out if you’re eligible.“Call the Pension Credit helpline and ask them if you’re eligible.

I’m not saying you will be, I’m saying you may be and it’s worth checking because that could be worth thousands of pounds and this current cost of living payment.” Older people - or friends and family - can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by