Source: City of Portsmouth
A Pension Credit roadshow is happening around the city, as the council tries to reach some of the 2,500 Portsmouth residents estimated to be missing out on Pension Credit.
Portsmouth City Council staff are out at various locations talking to older residents and helping them start the application process. From Monday – Friday, 3-7 March, staff will be at another ten venues and people of pension age are encouraged to come along to see if they’re eligible – full list below.
Pension Credit tops up people’s pensions if they’re on low income, and those who claim it are getting on average £3,900 extra a year, according to the Government.
Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt joined the session at the Bridge Centre, Fratton Road, and said:
“We believe up to 2,500 Portsmouth people are missing out on money by not claiming Pension Credit. That’s as much as £3,900 each that could really help someone to stay warm, pay their bills and do more of what they enjoy.
“From speaking to older people, it’s clear many don’t realise they qualify. These events are part of the council’s wider campaign to reach people in their communities and help them to apply.
“If you know an older person on low income who might be eligible, please encourage them to attend, or call the council and we can support them.”
The engagement activity has already helped many older people start the process of applying, and is resulting in increasing numbers of Portsmouth residents claiming pension credit.
Portsmouth Older Persons Energy Payment Scheme
The Council is still offering its one-off payment scheme to some pensioners on low income who didn’t receive the Government’s Winter Fuel Allowance. Applications close on 7 March.
Pension Credit sessions – where to find us
- Monday 3 March, 9.30am to 11am – Spark Community Centre, Unit 12, The Pompey Centre, PO4 8SL
- Monday 3 March, 12.30pm to 2pm – Stamshaw and Tipner Leisure Centre, 69 Wilson Rd, PO2 8LE
- Tuesday 4 March, 10.30am to 12pm – Age UK, 16-18 Kingston Road, PO1 5RZ
- Tuesday 4 March, 3.30pm to 5pm – ASDA Fratton, PO1 1SL
- Wednesday 5 March, 10.30am to 12pm – St Margaret’s Church, Highland Road, PO4 9DD
- Wednesday 5 March, 11.30am to 1pm – Southsea Library, 19-21 Palmerston Road, PO5 3QQ
- Thursday 6 March, 9.30am to 11am – Salvation Army, The Haven, Lake Road, PO1 4HA
- Thursday 6 March, 5.30pm to 7pm – Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, PO2 7BT
- Friday 7 March, 9.30am to 11am – Somerstown Central Café (The Hub), Winston Churchill Avenue, PO5 4JJ
- Friday 7 March, 12.30pm to 2pm – QA Hospital outside Main Entrance, Cosham, PO6 3LY
Look out for council staff in hi-visibility jackets, you can ask them for council identification.