The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging certain groups to check if they’re eligible to claim Pension Credit – a Government benefit which tops up a person’s weekly income to £201.05, or to £306.85 for those living in a couple. On top of the extra money, Pension Credit is also known as a gateway benefit for other financial assistance.
For example, those who are able to claim the main part of the benefit can see their council tax bill reduced, receive a free TV licence if over 75, the Warm Home Discount worth £150 in the winter, Cold Weather Payments, Housing Benefit, free dental care and vouchers for glasses and contact lenses.
People could also be entitled to future cost of living payments, and cheaper ‘social’ broadband tariffs. The DWP estimate that those who get Pension Credit are around £3,500 a year better off, but around 850,000 eligible parties are missing out on the benefit. The Government has previously announced that 2,000 people would receive letters, inviting them to apply for Pension Credit – before taking to social media this week to remind people of the assistance available.
The Mirror reports that a recent post on X, read: “Find out about government help with the cost of living for pensioners, including #PensionCredit and Cost of Living Payments.”
How to apply for Pension Credit –
You can apply for Pension Credit on the Government’s official website, by calling 0800991234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. Pension Credit is only available to those who are above the state pension age who live in England, Scotland or Wales.
The state pension age is currently 66 for men and women, but this will rise to 67 by 2028. The benefit comes in two parts, and you may be entitled to one or both elements depending on circumstances.
The Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to:
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£201.05 if you’re single
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£306.85 if you have a partner
Your income must be below these amounts to claim Guarantee Credit, but in some cases you may still be eligible if you have a higher income and a severe disability, you’re a carer, or you have to pay housing costs like a mortgage. Those who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or have savings in a second pension may be eligible for the Savings Credit element also.
This awards up to:
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£15.94 if you’re single
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£17.84 if you’re a couple
Carers, the severely disabled, and those responsible for children and young people may receive additional payments, and the benefit can be backdated by up to three months – so long as a person was eligible during that timeframe.
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