A new government trial to boost uptake of Pension Credit in Vale of White Horse has been launched.
Didcot MP David Johnston has welcomed a new pilot from the government which encourages pensioners to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit.
The minister for pensions Laura Trott met up with Mr Johnston to mark the launch of the new trial.
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Under the scheme, pensioners in Vale of White Horse who are receiving housing benefit will receive a letter which will then encourage them to apply for Pension Credit.
Mr Johnston told the Oxford Mail: "I have promoted the Conservative government's Pension Credit repeatedly to local pensioners as it can provide a significant amount of additional money to pensioners on the lowest incomes.
“I'm delighted the Vale has been chosen as one of the areas for this trial and encourage everyone who is eligible to ensure they don't miss out on what is an average £3,500 boost to their incomes."
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The credit is only accessible to the most vulnerable pensioners and it is aimed to help pensioners access other support such as housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free-over 75s TV licence.
Minister for pensions Laura Trott said: “We recognise the challenges pensioners will be facing with the cost of living, which is why, alongside driving down inflation, promoting Pension Credit is a top priority.”
Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone, and more information is available on www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
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