Pension Credit focus leads to income boosts for Waltham Forest residents

Pension Credit, an often-forgotten government benefit, is being promoted across the borough to make sure every Waltham Forest pensioner is getting their due, as part of Waltham Forest’s Opportunity Max push. 

It tops up weekly income for people of pension age to a guaranteed minimum level: £227.10 for single people and £346.60 for couples in 2025/26. 

In the past 12 months in Waltham Forest, there have been more than 900 visits by older people to community drop-ins about welfare benefits. 

Maeve, community support manager at the Waltham Forest Max community drop-ins, said:

Most people come to a drop-in to talk about their energy bills or paperwork. Through conversation we find out they’re eligible for Pension Credit but haven’t been claiming it.

Last month a gentleman came to talk about rising bills. We found that he and his wife were under the minimum level for Pension Credit so we helped them top up their income an extra £130 per week. He was over the moon! He came back the next week to show us the letter confirming the payments.

Mondays:

• Older Adults drop-in, Wood Street Library, 1.30pm to 3pm
• Age UK Drop-in, ages 60+, Best Start Family Hub: Queens Road, 10am to 3pm

Tuesdays:

• Waltham Forest Max Drop-in, Best Start Family Hub: Queens Road, 9.45am to 11.15am

Wednesdays:

• WF Max Drop-in, Chingford Library, 9.45am to 11.15am
• Migrant Community Drop-in, Lea Bridge Library, 1pm to 2.30pm
• Age UK Drop-in, ages 60+, Priory Court Community Centre, 9.30am to 1pm

Thursdays:

• WF Max Drop-in, Walthamstow Library, 9.45am to 11.15am

Fridays:

• WF Max Drop-in, Leytonstone Library, 9.45am to 11.15am