Over 230 York pensioners £7,000 a year better off with Pension Credit

The 231 pensioners in York who claimed Pension Credit since December 2024 are now and extra £7,000 a year better off.

Following publicity campaigns to encourage eligible people to claim, 231 applications were made from December 2024 to February 2025 by residents over State Pension age and who are on a low income. They are now directly benefitting from a total extra £1,790,736 a year, from Pension Credit and linked benefits.  

Of the total £1,790,736 now being paid yearly to those York residents, £338,866 was for backdated claims and £49,200 was for Winter Fuel Payments. Estimates suggest that the value of these awards over the estimated life expectancy of the claimants, could add up to over £10,638,000.

One successful claimant from York said: “I now have Pension Credit and Council Tax Support and couldn’t feel happier – it is so lovely. I wouldn’t have known what to do or that this would be possible without Age UK York and the Carers’ Centre helping me. Thank you so much.”  

This is part of an ongoing campaign in partnership with organisations including Citizens’ Advice York, Older Citizens Advocacy York (OCAY), Age UK York and the Carers’ Centre to make sure residents claim all the support available to ease financial pressures, particularly with recent increases to energy and water bills.

To be able to make a claim, residents must be over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit tops up:

• weekly income to £227.10 for single people
• joint weekly income to £346.60 for those with a partner.

People with a higher income might still be eligible for Pension Credit if they have a disability, care for someone, have housing costs or have savings.

Cllr Katie Lomas, Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion at City of York Council, said: “Last autumn, Government data showed that around 1,600 York households were missing out on Pension Credit. We contacted those they had details for, advising them that they might be eligible and offering advice and support to apply for it.  

“Of the 470 we contacted, 231 have successfully applied and together, are £1,790,736 a year better off.

“We are continuing our campaign and will be letting more people know they could be missing out and how to apply. If you haven’t claimed yet, it’s really worth doing so. Help to make your claim is available for a share of over £1 million remaining unclaimed by York residents.”

Simon Holmes, Chief Executive of Age UK York, said: “We recognise the challenges faced by too many older people, both here in York and across the country, with 34% of pensioners feeling less financially secure than a year ago and over 450,000 in our region having to cut back on heating or powering their home.

“For each of the 246 - and counting - individuals helped here in York who are now receiving Pension Credit it can make such a vital difference not only financially, but to their independence and wellbeing. We would please encourage anyone unsure if they are eligible to find out more and to get in touch here in York

“A huge thank you to all those involved in making this happen across our partnership with their expertise and compassion in being there to help and continuing to offer such valued support each day to local people and communities across York.”

Find out if you’re eligible, what you’re eligible for and how to apply at www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call free on 0800 99 1234. For local information and support, see www.york.gov.uk/PensionCredit