Pension Credit Uptake 2023-07-12
2023-07-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from discussions on raising awareness and increasing take-up of pension credit for retired individuals. There has been a notable increase in applications.
What discussions have you had with the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on increasing the uptake of pension credit among older people?
Since April last year, we have been running a substantial campaign to raise awareness and increase take-up. Applications for pension credit were around 75% higher in the year to May 2023 than in the same period the year before.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the work done by the MP to assist constituents in applying for pension credit and calls out the Minister's lack of action.
My retired constituents from various areas know I am a champion for their rights. Why is she not telling me anything that gives me comfort that she is actually going to champion them? When will she start doing that?
Many MPs use the Help to Claim service or the benefits calculator to assist constituents. The Minister responsible for pensions announced the Invitation to Claim trial, involving 2,600 households across 10 local authorities this summer.
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Assessment & feedback
specific actions and timelines
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses a reluctance among entitled individuals to claim pension credit and seeks actions to address this issue.
What action is she taking to break down that taboo, so that people who are fully entitled to this money and desperately need it actually claim it?
Some people do not come forward due to make-up. We need to help them be encouraged that they are absolutely entitled to the benefit. In two weeks before 19 May, DWP received around 21,000 claims which was 171% up compared with the corresponding weeks in 2022.
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Assessment & feedback
specific measures and encouragement tactics
Response accuracy