West Suffolk encourages more residents to apply for Pension Credits

15 Oct 2025

People who are believed to be eligible but who are not claiming Pension Credits are being encouraged to apply by West Suffolk Council.

The council has set up a new Financial Inclusion Service to target support to low-income households including families and pensioners across West Suffolk.

Nationally the Government estimates that in 2023, £1.5billion of Pension Credits went unclaimed.

Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, said: “Our aim is for a thriving West Suffolk for all of our residents.”

“We know that there are households both in West Suffolk and nationally who are simply surviving. They include residents who for whatever reason, haven’t come forward for the support they can access. It could be pride; it could be that they simply don’t realise that they could ask for support.”

“That’s why we have set up our Financial Inclusion Service. Using data, it will target households who we believe may be eligible for unclaimed support. That will include people who are retired, working and others who are looking to return to work. We can then help them check they are receiving support, and to reduce their outgoings such as utility bills wherever possible.”

“Initially we are targeting households in West Suffolk who we believe may not be claiming their full Pension Credits. If we can get them to successfully apply, they may also be eligible for further help, boosting their income.”

“We are writing to households we have identified.  In 2023 alone, £1.5 billion in Pension Credits went unclaimed nationally. The council is using data to identify households that may qualify and is reaching out directly through letters, phone support, and community events to promote the support that is available to residents.”

Letters will shortly be arriving at the households in West Suffolk that we have identified as likely to be eligible for unclaimed pension credits. Residents that haven’t received a letter can still enquire about Pension Credits at the council's cost of living webpages or by phoning West Suffolk Council’s Financial Inclusion Service on 01284 757660.

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