Pension credit: Martin Lewis warns 1million could be missing out on £3,300 a year – how to check if you are eligible

MARTIN Lewis has urged one million people to do a simple check to see if they are missing out on £3,300 a year.

Retirees could be missing out on the help if they are not claiming pension credit.

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Pension credit gives you extra cash if you're of state pension age and on a low income.

It boosts the weekly income of the poorest pensioners up to £182.60 for a single person and £278.70 for couples.

Hard-up households could get up to £3,300 a year - anyone who is a carer or disabled can qualify for the higher payments.

But the MoneySavingExpert founder said that it was a "national tragedy" that up to one million pensioners could be missing out on the help.

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According to the , around £1.7billion in Pension Credit has gone unclaimed.

Martin said on that you should "absolutely get in touch" with the pensions credit claim line if you're of state pension age - 66 or over - and you've got a total income of under £200 a week.

He said that pension credit was a "gateway benefit" because you can get other help simply because you are a claimant.

For example, you could get a free TV licence if you are over 75, a council tax discount and the cold weather payment.

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How do I check if I'm eligible?

To qualify, either you (or your partner if you live with one) must have reached State Pension Age, which is currently set at 66.

You also need to live in England, Scotland or Wales

Your household income will be calculated when you apply, and if you fall short of the thresholds you will be awarded a top-up amount.

Your income includes:

• State Pension
• other pensions
• earnings from employment and self-employment
• most social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance

If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit.

If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 worth of weekly income.

You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.

You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by three months.

You can use the online service if:

• you have already applied for your State Pension
• there are no children or young people included in your application

You can apply online using 

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Alternatively, you can apply by phone on the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

To apply by post,  or call the claim line to request one.