Pensioners should check if they’re eligible (Image: Getty)
State pensioners across the UK are being urged to check if they can claim a tax-free “gateway” benefit. As well as giving Brits a much-needed injection of money, the payment also unlocks thousands of pounds in broader financial help.
Pension Credit is available to people who live in England, Scotland, and Wales, and who have reached State Pension age and have a low weekly income. You can apply regardless of whether you own your own home or have some savings, and you do not need to have paid National Insurance contributions to qualify.
Pension Credit is worth an average of around £4,300 a year, and it also acts as a “gateway” to other financial perks, such as eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments, access to full Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support, a free TV licence, and cheaper broadband packages and reduced water bills.
The benefit, which serves as a top-up, gives single claimants an extra £238 per week. Meanwhile, couples are entitled to an extra £363.25.
Around 910,000 pensioner households are thought to be missing out on Pension Credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a fresh drive in autumn to encourage take-up. Minister for Pensions Torsten Bell said: “We’re committed to supporting harder-up pensioners however we can. Pension Credit is a simple way to give those who need it the most some extra support with bills or a free TV licence.
“I’d urge anyone who thinks they, or anyone they know, might be able to claim Pension Credit, to take a few minutes out of their day to check and apply. This country’s pensioners deserve every penny they are entitled to.”
Pension Credit is worth an average of around £4,300 a year (Image: Getty)
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit, which is separate from your State Pension, gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Who qualifies for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit comes with a number of additional benefits (Image: Getty)
- Live in the UK – England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
- Have reached State Pension age.
- Have a weekly income below £238 if you’re single, or £363 if you’re in a couple.
If you have a partner, you’ll be eligible if either:
- you and your partner have both reached State Pension age
- one of you is getting Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age
A partner is either:
- your husband, wife or civil partner – if you live with them
- someone you live with as a couple, without being married or in a civil partnership
How much is Pension Credit worth?
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £238 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £363.25 if you have a partner
You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs. The top-up and extra amounts are known as ‘Guarantee Credit’.
Pension Credit can give elderly Brits an important cash boost (Image: Getty)
What other benefits do you get for claiming Pension Credit?
If you get Pension Credit you’ll automatically get cold weather payments. You’ll also be eligible to:
- apply for a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- get help with NHS costs if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
NHS costs can include things such as prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.
Use the Government’s Pension Credit calculator to find out if you could be eligible.
