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<p>It is important to highlight that there are over 1.6 million people already claiming
some £5.4 billion in Pension Credit but the Government wants to ensure that <em>all</em>
pensioners eligible can claim the Pension Credit to which they are rightly entitled.</p><p>On
a national basis 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. 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>Potential customers can use the Pension Credit <a href="https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator</a> to check if they
are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. People wishing
to claim Pension Credit can do so by calling the Freephone number 0800 99 1234.</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 stakeholders a fact sheet about
Pension Credit and the changes introduced on 15 May for mixed age couples to ensure
that accurate information is available in the places where people are most likely
to seek information.</p>
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