Pensioners are being invited to a Pension Credit eligibility check in Ilkley – with a free slice of cake also on offer.
Keighley & Ilkley Labour Party and Citizens Advice Bradford and Airedale and Law Centre are hosting two drop-in sessions, one in Ilkley and another in Keighley, to help people find out if they can claim the extra income or other entitlements, such as Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit.
To receive Pension Credit, you must have reached the state pension age of 66, and it will see your weekly income topped up to £218.15 if you are single, or £332.95 if you have a partner. People who consider themselves to be on a higher income may still be eligible under certain circumstances, such as if they have a disability
These sessions are open to all pensioners - Ilkley, Addingham, Silsden, Steeton, Eastburn, Keighley and beyond.
The first event is at the Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley, on Tuesday October 8, from 12.30 until 3.30pm. The Keighley session is at Central Hall, Keighley on Wednesday October 9, from 9.30-11.30am.
Keighley East district councillor Caroline Firth, who helped to organise the events, said: “Across West Yorkshire, about 6,400 people are eligible to claim Pension Credit but don’t. I’m not sure whether they realise that it opens the door to other support such as a free TV licence and the Winter Fuel Payment, which are both worth nearly £500 combined. It’s worth checking if you’re eligible.”
Volunteers will be on hand at both events to meet and greet anyone who drops in and free refreshments, including cake, will be on offer.
Richard Wilkinson, chief executive of Citizens Advice Bradford and Airedale and Law Centre, said: “Our staff will be on hand to advise people about their eligibility for some of these allowances. People do sometimes assume their income is too high but that’s not always the case, for example if they have a disability.
“Other people may not have applied previously because they see it as something to be ashamed of or that they don’t want what they perceive to be a handout. That should never be the case, they are eligible for this money fair and square, so we urge people to come along for a chat to find out more. Anyone from across the whole area is welcome. So just pop in - the worst that can happen is that you get a free slice of cake.”
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