THOUSANDS of households have just hours left to claim the final cost of living payment worth £299.
Over 1.4million pensioners receive pension credit which makes them eligible for the free cash.
But there are 850,000 more pensioners eligible for the benefit who aren't claiming it.
This means they risk missing out on the £299 payment, which started being issued on February 6.
Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Time is running out for pensioners to claim Pension Credit and qualify for a £299 cost of living payment.
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"These payments gave a huge boost to people's stretched budgets last year, but the clock is ticking to qualify for the final payment.
"People have until March 5 to submit a claim for Pension Credit and if successful they will get this extra boost on top of the benefit."
To get the first payment, you will need to have been in receipt of at least one of seven benefits, including pension credit, between November 13 and December 12.
It doesn't matter if you were only eligible for a day - as long as this day was within the qualifying period you'll get the cost of living payment.
The same rule applies to fresh pension credit claims which can be backdated by up to three months.
This means thousands more people could become eligible for the cash by applying for the benefit now, and before March 5.
This will ensure that any payments can be backdated and fall within the qualifying period for the £299 cost of living payment.
If you put in your claim any later than this, the DWP may be unable to process your claim in time.
And if you miss the deadline your claim won't be backdated all the way back to the qualifying period, so you'll miss out on the cash.
Helen said: "Pension Credit plays an important role in topping up the incomes of the poorest pensioners, and yet it remains hugely underclaimed with only 63% of families eligible for it actually claiming it.
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"On top of the income top up and the cost-of-living payment it opens the doorway to further support such as help with NHS costs, heating bills and council tax.
"For the over 75s, there is also the free TV licence.
"Claiming today could have a huge impact on your standard of living in retirement, so it's really important to put in a claim if you think you or a loved one may be eligible."
Who is eligible for pension credit?
Pension credit is available for people who are over the state pension age, and who live in England, Scotland or Wales.
This is currently rising to 66 for both men and women.
It used to be the case that couples, where one person was over state pension age, could claim, but new rules now mean that both people in a couple must be over retirement age to apply.
This means if you're single and move in with a partner who is younger than the state pension age, you will stop being eligible.
But if you're already receiving pension credit under the old system, it won't stop unless your circumstances change.
To qualify, you'll need to have a weekly income of less than £201.05 for single people or £306.85 for couples.
Your income is worked out taking into account various elements including:
- Your state pension
- Any other pensions you have saved, for instance, workplace or private pension savings
- Most social security benefits, for example, carer’s allowance
- Any savings or investments worth over £10,000
- Earnings from a job
The calculation does not include:
- Attendance allowance
- Christmas bonus
- Disability living allowance
- Personal independence payment
- Housing benefit
- Council tax reduction
If your income is too high to get pension credit, you may still get some savings pension credit, so it's worth checking.
How much can I get in pension credit?
There are two parts to the benefit and pensioners can be eligible for one or both parts - here are the current rates for the tax year:
- Guarantee credit - tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. This is £201.05 a week if you're single and £306.85 a week for married couples.
- Savings credit - provides extra money if you've saved money towards retirement. You can get an extra £15.94 a week for a single person or £17.84 a week for a married couple.
You may also get additional pension credit if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
For instance, you can get either £61.88 a week or £72.31 per week for each child or young person you're responsible for.
If you are disabled or care for someone who is disabled, you may get more.
For example, if you have a severe disability you could get an extra £76.40 a week or if you care for another adult you could get an extra £42.75 a week.
How will I be paid?
Your benefits are usually paid into an account, for instance, a bank account.
They're usually paid every four weeks.
You’ll be asked for your bank, building society or credit union account details when you claim.
But if you have problems opening or managing an account, you might be able to claim a different way.
What else can you get on Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is known as a "gateway" benefit as it opens up a host of other discounts and freebies.
If you claim it, you might be able to get help with Housing Benefit, if you are in rented accommodation, and a council tax discount.
It also makes you eligible for cost of living payments and the Warm Home Discount scheme.
If you're 75 or over, it can open up a free TV licence too. You can claim your free one by calling 0300 790 6117.
You can also apply online via the TV Licensing website.
