Minister urges older people to check Pension Credit eligibility to unlock vital cost of living support

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Age NI Head of Advice and Advocacy Services Brenda Kearns (left) and Director of Pensions, Disability, and Carers at Department for Communities NI Leonora McLaughlin.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has encouraged people over the State Pension age to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit, warning that many older residents could be missing out on vital financial help during the ongoing cost of living pressures.

Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs and can be claimed even if someone has other income, savings or owns their own home. It also acts as a gateway benefit, unlocking a range of additional support such as free NHS dental care, help with heating bills, and a free TV licence for those over 75.

Minister Lyons said:

“Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other supports and benefits which can be a lifeline for our older generations.

“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may have a benefit entitlement to avail of this free and confidential service. I want to ensure that all available support and entitlements go directly to those who most need them.

“I am committed to supporting older people to access the services they are entitled to and will continue to encourage Pension Credit uptake.”

The Department for Communities has launched a campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit, amid evidence that thousands of eligible pensioners across Northern Ireland are not yet claiming it.

Brenda Kearns, Head of Advice and Advocacy Services at Age NI, welcomed the initiative:

“Age NI welcomes this campaign by the Department for Communities, to raise awareness of Pension Credit.

“It’s crucial that older people are informed and supported to claim all the financial help they are entitled to.

“We know, from listening to older people, that the extra money from successfully claiming Pension Credit makes a big difference to their finances and quality of life.”

What Pension Credit can unlock

In addition to extra income, those receiving Pension Credit may also qualify for:

• Housing Benefit if they rent their home

• Support for Mortgage Interest if they own their home

• Help with NHS/HSC dental treatment, eye tests and glasses, and transport costs to hospital appointments

• Assistance with heating costs

• A discount on Royal Mail’s redirection service when moving home

There is also additional support available for carers, people with disabilities, and those responsible for children or young people.

Applying for Pension Credit takes around 20 minutes and can be done online via nidirect.gov.uk. An online Pension Credit calculator is available at gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator to check eligibility before applying.

Alternatively, claims can be made by calling the Northern Ireland Pension Centre on 0808 100 6165, where trained agents can assist with eligibility information and complete applications over the phone.