Online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on GOV.UK suggests that low-income earners of state pension age who receive Attendance Allowance or the middle or top care rate of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) may be eligible for an extra £81.50 per week in Pension Credit, which equates to around £326 per four-week pay period.
In a similar vein, couples claiming Pension Credit, where one person is in receipt of disability benefit, will also receive an additional £81.50 per week (£326 per month). Additionally, if someone is in receipt of Carer's Allowance, they may be eligible for an additional weekly Pension Credit of £45.60.
This additional pension allowance may also be available to people who are entitled to a carer's allowance but do not receive it or receive a lower amount than normal because they receive a higher amount through another income-related benefit, such as the state pension. This is often referred to as an underlying right.
Nearly 1.4 million older people in the UK, including more than 125,000 in Scotland, currently receive the means-tested benefit, which could provide an average of £3,900 in support over the next year. However, recent figures from the DWP suggest there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners who are not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
With the new rule change for Winter Fuel Payments, it's crucial to make a claim. The change means only people on income-related benefits such as Pension Credit will be eligible for the annual help with heating bills, worth between £100 and £300, the Daily Record reports.
There is a common misconception among some older people who believe that they are not eligible for income-related benefits if they have savings or own their own home. However, this benefit can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating costs and council tax.
Even as little as £1 a week is enough to access other forms of support.
Pension Credit is designed to top up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 per 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 entitlement
Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and estimate what they could receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Pensioners can also contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim. You can call 0800 99 1234. Lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Expert help and advice is also available through:
Below you will find an overview of the benefit, with information on who should qualify, how to apply and how much you can get.
Pension credit explained
Pension Credit gives people extra money to help with their living expenses if they have reached state pension age and are on a low income. It can also provide access to a range of other benefits.
The benefit increases income to a minimum of £218.15 a week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples, with additional amounts for people with disabilities or caring responsibilities.
Extra help with pension credit
If you qualify for pension credit, you may also receive other forms of assistance:
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Housing benefit if you rent the home you live in
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Mortgage interest support if you own the property you live in
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Discount on municipal tax
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Free TV license if you are 75 or older
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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 forwarding service if you are moving house
Mixed-age older couples and pension credit
In May 2019, the legislation was amended so that 'mixed age couples' - where one partner is of state pension age and the other is not - are now classified as 'working age' couples when assessing entitlement to means-tested benefits.
This means that they will not be able to claim pension credit or pensionable housing benefit until both partners have reached state pension age. Before this change by the DWP, a mixed-age couple could qualify for the more generous state pension age benefits if only one partner had reached state pension age.
Using the pension credit calculator
To use the calculator on GOV. UK you will need the following information:
If you have a partner, you will also need his/her details. You will be presented with a series of multiple choice questions.
This includes:-
Your date of birth
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Your residential status
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Where in the UK you live
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Whether you are registered blind
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What benefits you are currently receiving
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How much you receive each week for any benefits you receive
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Whether someone receives a caregiver allowance to care for you
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How much you receive per week from pension - AOW, private and company pensions
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All income from employment
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Any savings, investments or bonds you have
Once you have answered these questions, your answers will be displayed on a summary screen so you can go back and change any answers before submitting them. The Pension Credit calculator will then show you how much benefit you can receive each week.
All you need to do is follow the link to the application page where you will find out exactly what you will receive from the DWP, including access to other financial support.
There is also an option to print out the answers you provide using the calculator, so you can complete the application form more quickly without having to search for the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or a family member to ensure you receive all the financial support you are entitled to.
For whom is the Pension Credit Calculator not useful?
The calculator cannot be used if you or your partner:
How to file a claim
You can submit your claim up to four months before you reach AOW age. You can submit a claim at any time after AOW age, but your claim can only be backdated by three months.
This means that you can receive up to three months of pension credit with your first payment, if you were eligible during that period.
What do you need:
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your citizen service number
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information about your income, savings and investments
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your bank account details, if you submit a request by telephone or post
If you want to backdate your claim, you will need information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.
Apply online
The online service is available as:.
To check if you are entitled, 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 receive.