We have taken forward a number of measures to ensure people are aware of this change. In early November when the change took place we issued a press notice and contacted national, regional, online and specialist media to increase awareness. Coverage was achieved in a range of media including the Daily Mirror, The Guardian, The Sunday Times and the moneysavingexpert.com website which has a monthly audience of 8.1 million.
Guidance was issued to staff to inform pension credit applicants who were unsuccessful on capital grounds in advance of the rule change in November; we have also worked with key stakeholders so that they understand the changes.
Those already receiving pension credit and who benefited from the change were also notified of the change and its impact on their award.
In addition information has been incorporated in relevant pension credit leaflets and the online tool, ‘The Pension Credit calculator’.