![Brits only have until March 5 to put in a claim for Pension Credit and if successful they could be owed the £299 cost of living paymnt (Image: Getty Images)](/upload/news/2024/02/26/166213.jpg)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a major warning as hundreds of thousands could receive the final £299 cost of living payment - but they don't have long left to get it.
The benefits department has urged older Brits to check if they are eligible to claim Pension Credit and if they are they should put in a claim before March 5.
Pension Credit is a benefit for low income pensioners and it tops up your weekly income to £201.05, or to £306.85 if you’re in a couple - although it is going up to £218.15 and £332.95 respectively from April. But as well as giving you extra cash, the benefit acts as "gateway" to other support, including help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills. The DWP says the average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 per year.
There are currently 1.4million pensioners in the UK claiming the benefit however there are an estimated 880,000 people who are eligible but not claiming. If Brits claim before the March 5 deadline, they will be eligible to receive the cost of living cash. This is because successful Pension Credit claims can be backdated for up to three months, as long as the applicant was also eligible to receive it during that time.
To try and raise awareness and encourage people to put in a claim, the DWP has created a campaign in the style of football deadline day. In the video posted on Sunday, the DWP created a skit which interviewed Pensions Secretary Mel Stride on Pension Credit in the style of a football manager interview.
In the video, Stride says: "We think we've had a really good campaign, we've got claims up by about 80% so it's as good as the last match. We're hoping for a few more interesting transfers, there are 10 days to go for applying for Pension Credit, and if you get it you you can then qualify for the £299 cost of living payment."
Minister for pensions Paul Maynard said: "We are committed to ensuring every pensioner receives the financial support available to them. Anyone who is unsure whether they or a loved one is entitled to Pension Credit should quickly check using our online Pension Credit calculator – it’s never been easier.
"Not only could this secure an extra £3,900 every year and unlock a whole host of other support, if successfully claimed by 5 March a further £299 Cost of Living boost is up for grabs."
You can apply for Pension Credit online on the Gov.uk website here, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can also get a friend or family member to call for you, but you will need to be with them when they do.
You will also need the following information on you before applying: