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Martin Lewis issues urgent warning to thousands of pensioners missing out on ‘superpower’ benefit worth £3,900 a year
We reveal how to claim the "superpower" benefit
MARTIN Lewis has issued an urgent warning to hundreds of thousands of pensioners who are missing out on "superpower" benefit.
Pension Credit gives people who are over the age of 66 and on a low income extra money to help with their living and housing costs.
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The money is paid in addition to the state pension.
Up to 2.2 million people are eligible to claim the cash, which also entitles them to a host of other vital perks, including the Winter Fuel Payment.
But around 880,000 people who are eligible don't claim it.
Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Martin said: "If there are any low-income pensioners out there watching, or you know someone that is, we collectively need to go out there and make sure all pensioners on a low-income are checking if they can claim pension credit."
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He went on to say that it essential that those who are entitled to Pension Credit make a claim this year for the "superpower benefit".
This is because it can unlock other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment.
In July, the Government announced that only those who claim Pension Credit will receive the Winter Fuel Allowance, which is worth up to £300 a year.
Pension Credit opens the door to a host of other benefits, such as Cost of Living Payments, Council Tax discounts and the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
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Those who claim are also entitled to a free TV licence, help with NHS dental treatment and glasses.
How much Pension Credit could I get?
Pension credit is worth around £3,900 a year on average and unlocks many other benefits, such as council tax reductions and help with energy bills.
Winter Fuel Payment Changes
It comes in two parts, Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit, and you may be eligible for one or both parts.
Guaranteed Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level.
For single people this is £218.15, while couples could get £332.95.
Income includes money from work, your pension, state pension and some social security benefits.
If your weekly income is below these levels then you may be able to claim.
But if your income is higher than these thresholds then you may still be able to claim if you fall into one of four categories.
These include if you are a carer, have a severe disability, have certain housing costs, such as service charges, or are responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you.
Savings credit is extra money if you already have some savings or your income is higher than the basic state pension.
It is only available to people who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016.
You could get up to £17.01 extra per week if you are single or £19.04 if you are in a couple.
There is no savings limit for Pension Credit but if you have a nest egg of more than £10,000 then this will affect how much you receive.
If your partner is not yet over the state pension age then you may still qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment if you claim for Universal Credit.
How do I claim?
You can make a claim online at or over the phone by calling 0800 99 1234.
To claim you will need your National Insurance number, information about any income, savings or investments you have and your bank details.
You can begin your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.
Once you pass this age you can apply at any time but your application can only be backdated by three months.
Even if you do not think you are eligible it may still be worth checking as some people getting more than the full state pension may still qualify because they receive certain benefits.
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If your earnings were just over the margin last time you checked you may be eligible now as in April the Pension threshold was boosted by 8.5%.
Meanwhile, if you have taken on new childcare or caring responsibilities you should recheck whether you can claim.
Claim the Pension Credit if you can
HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit.The Sun's Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it's imperative to apply for the benefit.
Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK's poorest pensioners.
In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income.
It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you’re single or joint income to £332.95.
Yet, an estimated 800,000 don't claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit.
With the winter fuel payment - worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit - it's more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can.
Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older.
All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner.
It's not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234.
You’ll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments.
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