Pension Credit can provide a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners. With household budgets under pressure this year, it is crucial to ensure that those eligible do apply for this funding. A small award of Pension Credit can open up additional other help and support, such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills, a free over-75s TV licence and most importantly right now the additional cost of living payments. It is not too late to qualify for the second Cost of Living Payment of £324 which can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time. To ensure that a successful backdated claim falls within the qualifying period for the second Cost of Living payment, I urge people to claim Pension Credit as soon as possible, but by no later than 18 December.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:
- have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and
- live in Great Britain
Someone may still get Pension Credit if they:
- have not paid National Insurance contributions
- have some savings or a small pension
- live with their grown-up family
- own their own home
Use the Pension Credit calculator to find out how much Pension Credit someone could get – without giving any personal details.
A quick guide to entitlement
There are 4 main questions when considering whether a pensioner may get Pension Credit:
- How old are they?
- If they have a partner, how old is their partner?
- What is their weekly income? Is it less that £182.60 if they are single or £278.70 if they are a couple?
- Do they have any savings? Have they got less than £10,000?
People who have more income or savings than this may still qualify for Pension Credit. But these questions are a good basic indication of who is likely to qualify.
If they are over 65 and reached their State Pension age before 6 April 2016, they could still qualify for Pension Credit if their weekly income is less than:
- £218.80 if they are single
- £319.20 if they are a couple
For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit