Government urges pension discussion

The government's Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging householders to use February 29th to discuss pension credits with older relatives and neighbours.

Many pensioners say that they only made the call to check their entitlement after a friend or relation had mentioned the idea to them.

Pensions minister, Mike O'Brien, urges: "Use your extra day this leap year to make a difference to an older friend or relative who may be finding it hard to make ends meet.

"Many older people, wrongly, think Pension Credit is not meant for them and so miss out on useful extra cash as well as help with heating, housing or council tax costs. Reassure them that owning a home or having some savings is allowed. If English is a problem, our staff and an interpreter can call them back. Successful claims could result in up to 12 months backdated cash."

Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, said: "We know that it is very often family and friends who encourage older people to find out about benefits. We would encourage people to use this leap year to leap into action and talk to their older loved ones about putting in a claim."

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