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Response to DWP pension credit take-up figures |
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Response to DWP pension credit take-up figures
Gordon Lishman, Director-General of Age Concern England said:
“It’s
really worrying that despite 1.8 million* pensioners living in poverty,
almost two in five** of those entitled to Pension Credit are still not
receiving it and up to £2bn goes unclaimed. The Government must do more
to get this extra cash to those who need it most.
“Many
pensioners miss out because they don’t realise that they are entitled
to Pension Credit, feel the system is too complicated or don’t know how
to claim. Some feel that there is a stigma attached to claiming
benefits and would rather ‘make do’.
“Making Pension Credit
work more effectively is crucial for today’s pensioners. The Government
must also increase the basic state pension to at least £114 per week.
It must seize the opportunity to introduce radical pensions reform to
help future generations avoid poverty in retirement.”
Age Concern May 12th 2006
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