Some older people across the UK could receive a wide range of extra support with just a £1 claim
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed there has been a significant increase in people claiming Pension Credit over the last year.
In a social media post, it stated that 105,100 more Pension Credit applications were received by the department, compared to this same time last year On top of that, almost 1.4 million people across the country are receiving this means-tested benefit.
Owning savings or property does not exclude someone from Pension Credit, despite the common misconception. Furthermore, this benefit can assist with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax, a free TV licence, and more.
Even an award of just £1 per week can open the door to additional help.
Who can claim Pension Credit
Pension Credit comes in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age (66) and your weekly income must be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living – £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a couple. This figure could be higher if you’re disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.
If you’re a carer, disabled, or have specific housing costs, you might qualify for more than the standard amount. Savings Credit can provide up to a certain sum, with the exact amount depending on your income and savings, including assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000.
All those eligible for Pension Credit
You can verify your eligibility for Pension Credit using the government’s Pension Credit calculator here.
To utilise the calculator, you’ll need to provide details about yourself and your partner, if applicable, when responding to some of the questions included in the calculator:
- Whether you are registered blind
- Any savings, investments or bonds you have
- Your residential status
- Any employment earnings
- How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
- Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
- Your date of birth
- Which benefits you currently receive
- Where in the UK you live
- How much you get each week from pensions – State Pension, private and work pensions
After answering these questions, a summary screen will display your responses, allowing you to review and modify any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator will then indicate how much you could receive each week.
How to apply for Pension Credit
You can begin applying for Pension Credit within the four months leading up to your State Pension age and at any time afterwards – in this scenario, your claim could be backdated by up to three months. You will also need the following information readily available before starting the application process:
- Information regarding income, savings, and investments you may have as well as this information dating back to up to three months if you’re backdating the claim.
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your bank details
You can apply online via GOV.UK here. Alternatively, you can apply by post by printing out and completing the Pension Credit claim form and sending it to the DWP Pension Service or call the claim line to request a form.
Complete details of the application process can be found here.