Sarah McCarthy-Fry, Labour / Co-operative MP for Portsmouth North has warned that some of Portsmouth’s poorest pensioners may be missing out on extra money because they are failing to claim their pension credit.
 
Sarah McCarthy-Fry said “Having worked hard all their lives, it’s only right that older people get the money that’s rightfully theirs.  I would urge anyone who thinks they may be entitled to pension credit to call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.  It’s important to remember that owning your own home or having some savings does not necessarily disqualify you from Pension Credit.”
 
Labour’s pension credit guarantees everyone over 60 £119.05 a week and £181.70 for couples.  In 1997 the poorest pensioners had to live on just £69 a week - £50.05 a week less than now.