People on State Pension can quickly check eligibility for top-up worth £3,500
Are you a State Pensioner struggling to make ends meet? Don’t worry because you may be eligible for Pension Credit, a benefit designed specifically for those over 66 that can unlock extra help with daily living costs including Council Tax, Housing costs, and heating bills. According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the benefit can give an average income boost of up to £3,500 a year. Yet, the latest DWP figures indicate that £1.7 billion is being left unclaimed due to the lack of awareness among State Pensioners about the benefit.
DWP is urging people of State Pension age not to miss out on the weekly benefit boost of up to £182 each week for single pensioners and up to £278 for couples. Pension Credit ensures a minimum income of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and £278.70 for couples. So, don’t miss out on this valuable top-up that can give you the financial help you need.
How to check eligibility?
Pension Credit eligibility depends on factors such as income and savings. You can use the online calculator or call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 to check eligibility. Moreover, new claims for Pension Credit, made before May 19, which later turn out to be successful, will qualify for the new Cost of Living Payments, which is a great opportunity for eligible households.
Other help available
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you can also get other discounts, such as Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in, Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in, Council Tax discount, a free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house.
Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit
In May 2019, the law changed so that a ‘mixed age couple’ can claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit only when they are both State Pension age. This DWP change means that a mixed-aged couple cannot claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reaches State Pension age.
Key takeaway
If you are a State Pensioner, it is important to check your eligibility for Pension Credit and claim the benefit that is rightfully yours. Pension Credit can provide an average income boost of up to £3,500 a year, unlocking extra help with daily living costs such as Council Tax, Housing costs, and heating bills. Don’t miss out on this valuable top-up, and use the online calculator or call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 to check your eligibility.
Related facts
Eight million UK households on eligible means-tested benefits, including the 1.4 million currently in receipt of Pension Credit, will receive additional Cost of Living Payments totalling up to £900 in the 2023/24 financial year.
Pension Credit weekly payment rates will rise in April. Single: £201.05, up £18.45 from £182.60, and Couple: £306.85, up £28.15 from £278.70.
Conclusion
It is unfortunate that hundreds of thousands of State Pensioners in Great Britain are missing out on Pension Credit, which can provide much-needed financial support. However, by checking eligibility for Pension Credit, you can quickly claim a benefit that is rightfully yours and that can unlock help with daily living costs at a time when you need it most. Therefore, don’t hesitate to check your eligibility and claim the benefit that could boost your annual income by up to £3,500.
