Claiming the Pension Credit

The Government has now launched the new Pension Credit, which aims to provide more financial help to pensioners. However, the take-up of Pension Credit remains very low, less than 40% at the turn of the year. John Barrett MP's constituency office is now well stocked with application packs which can be sent out on request. If you would like a pack, please phone 339-0339.

John Barrett said: "I would much rather have seen the Government increase the basic state pension rather than introduce the pension credit. However, this fact is this money is available and I would encourage pensioners to apply."

If you are an Edinburgh West constituent you can collect an application pack from the constituency office or order a copy using the online form.

Further information

News items

Barrett welcomes pensions U-turn, 17 December 2007
Means-testing will undermine pensions reform, 05 December 2007
Barrett calls for an end to pensions injustice, 17 July 2007
£1 million worth of digital charges to hit city pensioners and disabled, 20 June 2007
Barrett urges pensioners to claim benefits, 13 June 2007
Pension credit failing Scotland’s pensioners, 29 March 2007
Barrett calls for fairer, greener budget from Brown , 20 March 2007
Barrett backs pensioners’ victory, 21 February 2007
42% of eligible pensioners still missing out on pension credit, 01 February 2007
50,000 Edinburgh residents entitled to digital TV support, 25 January 2007
European ruling gives hope for pensions compensation, 25 January 2007
Pensions’ system in desperate need of reform, 16 January 2007
Barrett calls for united front against post office closures, 10 January 2007
Barrett calls for helping hand to ward off winter chill, 18 December 2006
Pensions white paper unlikely to provide a long-term settlement for pensions, 25 May 2006
Missed pensions credit target underlines need for fundamental pensions reform, 11 May 2006
Barrett launches major new Post Office campaign, 07 April 2006
Barrett demands debate after Labour let down 20,000 Edinburgh Post Office users, 28 February 2006
Barrett attacks Government over latest Post Office let-down, 15 February 2006
Second CSA review in a year is beyond absurd, 09 February 2006
Pensioners paying £4,680 million too much council tax under Labour, 01 February 2006
Disabled should get winter fuel payments, 03 January 2006
Barrett welcomes 11th hour climbdown on tax-breaks for second homes, 05 December 2005
Over 10,000 women across Edinburgh to lose out on £200 council tax repayments, 07 November 2005
Over a quarter of pensioners across Edinburgh missing out on pension credit, 31 October 2005
Government failing to prevent pensions crisis – Barrett, 25 October 2005

Speeches and articles

Pensioner Poverty , 17 November 2004