Martin Lewis' MSE urges state pensioners to come forward for free £4,400 cash

Martin Lewis' MSE urges state pensioners to come forward for free £4,400 cash

by · Birmingham Live

Martin Lewis has warned thousands of state pensioners to come forward for £4,400 cash. The BBC Sounds and ITV star's team, at Money Saving Expert, have circulated the alert over pensioners being owed thousands of pounds from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ).

Issuing an alert over Housing Benefit, MSE says 294,000 pensioners miss out on an average £4,400-a-year rent help. "For eligible under-66s, support for housing costs is part of Universal Credit, but not for those of State Pension age. Who's likely missing out?" MSE asked.

It added: " Renters eligible for Pension Credit, for instance, on a low income. When you apply for Pension Credit, you can usually apply for Housing Benefit at the same time. If you already get Pension Credit, apply through your council."

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Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you’re unemployed, on a low income or claiming benefits. It’s being replaced by Universal Credit. You can only make a new claim for Housing Benefit if either of the following apply: you have reached State Pension age or you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.

If you’re single you can make a new claim for Housing Benefit. If you’re over State Pension age and live with your partner, y ou can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if any of the following apply: you and your partner have both reached State Pension age, one of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Pension Credit (for you as a couple) before 15 May 2019 or you’re in supported, sheltered or temporary housing.

If you’re over State Pension age and have an existing claim your existing claim will not be affected if, before 15 May 2019, youwere getting Housing Benefit orhad reached State Pension age.If your circumstances change and your Housing Benefit is stopped, you cannot start getting it again unless you and your partner are eligible to make a new claim.