West Suffolk helps pensioners claim £3,600 a year income boost

21 Oct 2026

A campaign in West Suffolk to get households to claim their Pension Credit has already boosted the income of over 25 households on average by over £3,600 a year.

Now West Suffolk Council’s Financial Inclusion Service is writing to more households that it has identified as likely to be eligible for unclaimed Pension Credit.

Nationally, it is estimated by the Government that £1.5 billion in Pension Credit went unclaimed in 2023. Households that successfully apply for Pension Credit, may then be eligible for further help to boost their income.

Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council, said: “We want our communities across West Suffolk to thrive. This income, together with the other benefits it can unlock, can make a huge difference to whether a household is thriving or simply surviving.

“People can claim Pension Credit even if they have other income, savings or own their own home. It is separate from their State Pension and is based on their age and income.

“By claiming their full Pension Credit, households may also get other benefits such as help with housing and council tax, a free TV licence, help with heating costs and more.

“We are writing directly to households that we have identified as likely to be eligible for unclaimed Pension Credit, but you don’t need to wait for a letter to make a claim.”

Residents that don’t receive a letter can still enquire about Pension Credit at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility or by phoning West Suffolk Council’s Financial Inclusion Service on 01284 757660.

Any resident who receives a letter and wants to check that it is genuine, can do so by contacting the Council’s customer services team.

For more on West Suffolk Council’s Financial Inclusion Service visit www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/cost-of-living/financial-inclusion.cfm

For more on the other benefits that Pension Credit unlocks, visit 
www.gov.uk/pension-credit 
 

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