Council encourages residents to check Pension Credit eligibility

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is urging older residents to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, a financial benefit provided by the government to support individuals of state pension age who are on a low income.

Pension Credit offers additional money to help with living costs and could also unlock access to other benefits. Residents may be entitled to extra support if they are carers, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

It is estimated that there are around 1,975 eligible families not claiming Pension Credit in Fermanagh and Omagh. The average value to families is £41 per week or over £2,000 per annum. This equates to over £4 million per year across the district. If people are eligible, this extra money is their entitlement and could help reduce the stress of bills.

To ensure no one misses out on this vital support, the Council has created an information leaflet with details on how to check eligibility and apply.

Pension Credit may also act as a ‘gateway’ to other benefits such as:
· Housing Benefit
· Help with heating costs,
· A free TV licence if you’re aged over 75
· Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.

For advice on eligibility residents can reach out to Community Advice Fermanagh at Tel: 028 6632 4334 or online at www.fermanaghhouse.org/community-advice-fermanagh

Or Omagh Independent Advice Services at Tel: 028 8224 3252 or online at https://oias.co.uk/

Alternatively ‘Make the Call’ to check entitlement at: Freephone 0800 232 1271. Or contact the NI Pension Credit Application Line: 0808 100 6165.

For more information, residents are advised to review the leaflet and take action. The leaflet will be distributed in Council owned buildings and throughout the District. If you are unable to collect a leaflet please contact the Age Friendly Officer at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council on T: 0300 303 1777 or E: age.friendly@fermanaghomagh.com. It will also be available to view online at https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/services/health-wellbeing/agefriendly/
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