Covid-19 Support for Older People 2020-10-21
2020-10-21
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In Peter Grant's constituency, over 2,000 pensioner households are missing out on £5.4 million in pension credit payments annually due to lack of awareness.
Over 2,000 pensioner households in my Glenrothes and Central Fife constituency are losing out on £5.4 million in pension credit payments every year because they do not know that they are entitled to them. Will the Minister agree to urge her Cabinet colleagues to enshrine in law a duty for the UK Government to publish an uptake strategy for pension credits?
The hon. Gentleman will be pleased to know that on 6 May, we launched the 'Apply for Pension Credit' service, which is an online claim service that supplements the existing telephone and—[Inaudible.]
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific legal requirement requested.
[Inaudible]
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Over 2,000 pensioner households in Peter Grant's constituency are missing out on £5.4 million in pension credit payments annually due to lack of awareness.
In my Glenrothes and Central Fife constituency, over 2,000 pensioner households are losing out on £5.4 million in pension credit payments every year because they do not know that they are entitled to them; the Scottish Government have published an uptake strategy for benefits under their control. Will the Minister agree to urge her Cabinet colleagues to enshrine in law a duty for the UK Government to publish an uptake strategy for pension credits and other benefits controlled at Westminster?
The hon. Gentleman will be pleased to know that on 6 May, we launched the 'Apply for Pension Credit' service, which is an online claim service that supplements the existing telephone and—[Inaudible.]
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific legal requirement requested.
[Inaudible]
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
It is estimated that over £2 billion annually is unclaimed by older people on the islands, representing a legal entitlement.
There is more than £2 billion out there every year that is the legal right of older people on those islands. Pension credit does not make anybody wealthy, but it can make the difference between loneliness and misery or engaging in life again. Will the Minister responsible for fighting for those older people agree to take this on as an equalities issue and put resources into ensuring that people have the knowledge and support—including support in using the online service she mentioned—to access what is a legal entitlement?
In supporting our older people, pension credit is an absolute priority for this Government. About 1 million pensioners will receive a winter windfall of £140 off their fuel bills thanks to the Government's work with energy firms. The DWP cross-matches these pension credit customers with data held by pension suppliers.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify resources or support for accessing pension credits beyond general statements.
Response accuracy