by Online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on GOV. The UK suggests that people of State Pension age on low incomes who receive Attendance Allowance or the middle or higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Age Disability Payment ( ADP), be eligible for an extra £81.50 a week in Pension Credit, which equates to around £326 every four week pay period.
Similarly, couples claiming Pension Credit when one person is receiving disability benefit will be granted an extra £81.50 per week (£326 per month). In addition, if a person is receiving Carer’s Allowance, he/she may qualify for an additional weekly Pension Credit of £45.60.
This additional Pension Credit may also be available to those who are entitled to Carer’s Allowance but are not paying it, or are receiving it at a lower amount than usual, because of a higher amount being paid by another income-related benefit such as the State Pension. – this is often referred to as a fundamental right.
Currently, almost 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 living in Scotland, receive this means-tested benefit which could provide an average of £3,900 as support during the coming year. However, recent figures from the DWP suggest that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners who are not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
With the new rule change to Winter Fuel Payments, it is vital to make a claim. The change means that only those on an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit will be eligible for the annual heating bill, worth between £100 and £300, reports the Daily Record.
There is a common misconception among some older people who believe that their savings or home ownership makes them ineligible for a means-tested benefit. However, this benefit can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.
Even an award of £1 per week is enough to unlock further support.
Pension Credit works to top up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:
The fastest way to check your Pension Credit eligibility
Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of how much they might get using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available from:
Here’s an overview of the benefit including who to check eligibility for, how to do it and how much you could get.
Pension Credit explained
Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits.
The benefit raises income to a weekly minimum of £218.15 for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples, with additional amounts for those who are disabled or have caring responsibilities.
Extra Help with Pension Credit
If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, you can also get other types of help:
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Housing Benefit if the property you live in is rented
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Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
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Council Tax Discount
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Free TV license if you’re 75 or over
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Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
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Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Winter Fuel Payment
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Discount on Royal Mail’s referral service if you are moving house
Mixed Older Couples and Pension Credit
In May 2019, legislation was changed so that ‘mixed age couples’ – where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not – are now classed as ‘working age’ couples and entitled to means tested benefits resource being considered.
This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or Pension Age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Before this change by the DWP, a mixed age couple could be entitled to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when only one partner had reached State Pension age.
Use the Pension Credit Calculator
To use the calculator on GOV. UK, you will need details of:
If you have a partner, you will also need their details. You will be presented with a series of multiple choice questions.
This includes:
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Your date of birth
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Your residential status
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Where do you live in the UK
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Whether you are registered blind
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What benefits do you currently receive
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How much you get each week for any benefits you receive
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Whether Carer’s Allowance is paid to someone to look after you
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How much you get each week from pensions – State Pension, private and work pensions
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Any employment earnings
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Any savings, investments or bonds you have
Once you’ve answered these questions, a summary screen displays your answers, allowing you to go back and change any answers before you submit them. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could get each week.
Simply follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support.
There is also an option to print the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form faster without having to search for the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or a family member to make sure you’re getting all the financial support you’re entitled to claim.
Who can’t use the Pension Credit calculator?
The calculator cannot be used if you or your partner:.
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deferring your State Pension
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owning more than one property
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are self-employed
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have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) that are not mortgage repayments or rent covered by Housing Benefit
How to make a claim
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can make a claim at any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.
This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that period.
You will need to:
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your National Insurance number
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information about your income, savings and investments
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your bank account details, if you are applying by phone or post
If you are backdating your claim, you will need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want to start your claim.
Apply online
The online service is available if:.
To check your entitlement, call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV. UK Pension Credit Calculator here to work out how much you could get.
