Pension Credit (Hansard, 2 April 2003)

§ Vera Baird
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how he intends to ensure that hard-to-reach pensioners, in particular those being cared for at 727W home by a family member, will receive information to help them to take up the benefits of the Pension Credit. [105817]

§ Mr. McCartney
As part of the Pension Credit take up campaign which will be running from April 2003 to June 2004, a specially designed direct mail pack will be issued to carers of pensioners. Targeted Press and TV advertising will also be used to ensure carers are notified of Pension Credit. This is to ensure that everyone aged 60 and over will have the necessary information and support in order to consider an application.
The Pension Service local service managers will work with partner organisations to advise pensioners about their entitlement. We hope to make full use of local business/community publicity and communications opportunities for Pension Credit to raise and maintain awareness of Pension Credit among pensioners, carers, friends and family.

§ Vera Baird
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what help he will give those pensioners who(a) feel discouraged from filling in the form and (b) have literacy problems to apply for Pension Credit. [105818]

§ Mr. McCartney
People applying for Pension Credit will be encouraged to apply by telephone. In this way staff at dedicated Pension Credit telephone centres will complete the application form for the customer. This telephone service will be backed up by The Pension Service local service, for those customers who are unable to conduct their business by telephone. Local services are also working with their local partner organisations to reach those vulnerable customers who might not take-up their entitlements.
To support the organisation and ensure that we are prepared and equipped to handle the extra work, we have been recruiting the additional staff needed throughout The Pension Service (telephone service, pension centres and local service), so that we can handle the telephone calls and are able to process the applications.
Targeted Press and TV advertising will also be used to ensure pensioners, carers, family and friends are aware of Pension Credit. This is to ensure that everyone aged 60 and over will have the necessary information and support in order to consider an application.
For people with hearing and language difficulties, we will have a text-phone and will be producing large print, Braille, audio and translated versions of Pension Credit general information.