Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Pensions, Guy Opperman has announced that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is considering "an internal review of communications products to identify further improvements in our messaging, with many more aspects to be pursued this year."
The answer comes to a question from Romford M.P. Andrew Rosindell on the steps that DWP is taking "to increase pension credit uptake using new awareness raising campaigns."
Mr Opperman added: "We plan to use existing government letters, like the tenant's allowance and state pension, to help promote pension credit. We are also discussing a joint working arrangement with the BBC. We continue to make all efforts to try and promote pension credit."
The exchange took place during Work and Pensions questions in Parliament.
In his question, Mr Rosindell said: "uptake of Pension Credit has remained below 65% since 2010. Although the awareness campaign in early 2020 had good intent, it was only 12 weeks long and partly occurred during the pandemic. Rather than being one-off events, does the minister agree with me and others including the charity Independent Age, that such awareness campaigns should be part of a wider long-term strategy and take advantage of new innovations and channels?"
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit which tops up the weekly income of pensioners if it is below £173.75 for single people, or £265.75 for couples.
Andrew Rosindell M.P.said:
"I'm pleased to hear that the Department for Work and Pensions is looking at how to better improve Government communications on pension credit. This is money that many pensioners are entitled to but are often unaware of. I look forward to seeing the Department's plans on this matter in the coming months."
