Peter Weir MLA | press releases

Statement

Weir Welcomes Increase to Pension Credit Threshold

Posted on: November 30, 2009

Cllr Weir at Stormont

The North Down DUP MLA has today welcomed the announcement from the Department of Social Development that the savings threshold for older people claiming State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit will rise. The savings threshold has been increased from £6,000 to £10,000 for those pensioners wishing to apply for State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit. These changes will not affect those already in receipt of the benefits but rather those who have previously been turn downed or ruled themselves out. Speaking today Councillor Weir praised the increase:

“I welcome any help that Government can offer to the most vulnerable in our society. The raising of the threshold for Pension Credit and Housing Benefit to £10,000 from November 2009 offers assistance to people who are among the most vulnerable in our society.

It offers added help to the older people living among us who find it difficult to survive the winter with the added costs that it brings. These new measures will lessen the financial burdens faced by those most vulnerable people living in our community and make the winter not such a harsh financial experience for them.

I would urge any older person who was turned down for Pension Credit or Housing Benefit to investigate the possibility that they may now be eligible for the extra help from the Government. If you think that you may be eligible for help or wish to explore the avenues available, then please do not hesitate to contact my office on 02891454500 for assistance.”