Could Pension Credit boost your monthly income?

We’re reaching out to those who have reached or are approaching state pension age which is 66.

The reason for this is that starting this winter, you will only be able to get a Winter Fuel Payment if you’re over state pension age and receiving one of the following benefits:

• Income Support;
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;
• Pension Credit; or
• Universal Credit (for example, through a joint claim with your partner).

This has been different in previous years, which is why we want to make sure you’re claiming what you’re entitled to, especially Pension Credit.

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age on a low income. It is separate to your State Pension and comes in two parts:

Guarantee Credit – this is the main part of Pension Credit which tops up your weekly income to a minimum level.

You may get extra amounts if you have a disability, care for someone or are responsible for a child or young person.

Savings Credit – for those who reached state pension age before April 2016, there’s an extra boost available if you’ve made plans for your retirement via savings, work or a private pension.

If you are entitled to Pension Credit, you can also receive other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over – a free TV Licence.

Even if you have savings, you could still be entitled to Pension Credit. You can check if you’re eligible for Pension Credit by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit

If you would prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234. You’ll be able to speak with someone who can help guide you through the process.

If you are entitled to Pension Credit, you can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.

If you’re already getting Pension Credit you will continue to get the Winter Fuel Payment as normal

For further support, we’re here to help you too! Call 01443 494560 to speak with a member of our Money Advice Team who will be happy to support you.

Here are some examples of tenants who have successfully made a Pension Credit claim and received thousands of pounds more:

Mr R

Mr R was paying all his rent himself and wanted to see if there was any help that he could access. His Sheltered Scheme Coordinator referred him to the Money Advice Team to carry out a benefit check.

Mr R discussed his situation with the team and although Mr R had over £21,000 in savings, he was still eligible for Pension Credit and was helped to apply, which led to him getting almost £50 per week.

Pension Credit opens the door to other support, which includes help with rent and council tax. We helped Mr R apply for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction and now he has all his rent covered by Housing Benefit and gets the full amount of Council Tax Reduction, so he doesn’t have to pay for this either.

Mr R will also get a Winter Fuel Payment to help with the heating bills this winter and when he turns 75 will get a free TV license.

Mr R has been helped to gain over £13,500.00 this year.

Mr D

Mr D was the main carer for his wife who was disabled but sadly passed away. They were paying their rent themselves as Mrs D had a private pension.

The Money Advice Officer visited Mr D and discussed his current income which was just his state pension. As a single person with no disability benefit, he did not qualify for Pension Credit.

The Money Advice Officer had a conversation with Mr D about his health and identified that he could be eligible for the disability benefit Attendance Allowance, so helped him apply and he was successful getting £108.55 per week. This disability benefit meant he was now eligible to claim Pension Credit of £28 per week, which the team helped him apply for.

As a result of the Pension Credit, Mr D will receive the Winter Fuel Payment of £200, a Free TV License as well as help with NHS dental care and glasses.

In addition to this help, the Money Advice Team ensured that the Housing Benefit award and Council Tax Reduction awards were increased, meaning Housing Benefit covers all of Mr D’s rent and he receives full Council Tax Reduction.

This has increased Mr D’s annual income by over £16,000.00.

If you need support to check what you’re eligible for, get in touch with the Money Advice Team.