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<p>The Government is committed to ensuring that older people receive the support they
are entitled to and the DWP targets activity on engaging with people who may be eligible
to benefits at pivotal stages, such as when they claim State Pension or report a change
in their circumstances. The DWP uses a wide range of channels to communicate information
about benefits to potential customers; including information on <a href="https://gov.uk/"
target="_blank">https://gov.uk/</a>, in leaflets and by telephone. People wishing
to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling 0800 99 1234. DWP staff in Pension Centres
and Jobcentres including visiting officers are able to provide help and advice about
entitlement to benefits, as are staff in Local Authorities who administer Housing
Benefit.</p><p> </p><p>One of the best ways to reach eligible customers is through
trusted stakeholder working in the community and we have developed the Pension Credit
toolkit, as an on-line tool for agencies and welfare rights organisations to use in
order to encourage Pension Credit take-up. It can be found at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-toolkit</a></p><p>
</p><p>The toolkit contains resources for anyone working with pensioners and includes
guides to Pension Credit. It also contains publicity material and guidance designed
to help older people understand how they could get Pension Credit and help organisations
support someone applying for Pension Credit as well as ideas for encouraging take-up.
The toolkit also provides links to information about disability and carers benefits.</p><p>
</p><p>Most recently we have provided to relevant organisations a fact sheet about
Pension Credit and forthcoming changes for couples to ensure that accurate information
is available in the places where people are most likely to seek information.</p><p>
</p><p>The majority of people of pension age in receipt of a State Pension or another
social security benefit receive their annual winter fuel payment automatically without
the need to make a claim</p>
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