Pensioners: Financial Support

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Communities – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 2:15 pm on 16 September 2024.

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Photo of Gordon Lyons Gordon Lyons DUP 2:15, 16 September 2024

Yes, there has been. In August 2024, 889 people applied in Northern Ireland, compared with 610 in the same period last year. In July 2024, there were 663 applicants, compared with 526 last year. We are seeing an uptick in the number of people who are applying for pension credit. Only two weeks into this month, we have already had over 550 applications. I encourage Members to continue to highlight the importance of pension credit and to get people to apply. I know that it is a long process, but, with the average uplift being £4,400, it is certainly worth it.