Pension Credit boosts your weekly income and also unlocks other financial help, such as free dental treatment and and free TV licence if you’re over the age of 75
Hundreds of thousands of older Brits have just days left to apply for Pension Credit ahead of a crucial Winter Fuel Payment deadline.
Pension Credit boosts your weekly income and also unlocks other financial help, such as free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses, or a free TV licence if you’re over the age of 75. But as well as this, Pension Credit also now means you can still get a Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300.
Winter Fuel Payments are now only available to households claiming means-tested benefits. However, figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show more than 800,000 people are missing out on this extra help. If you believe you could be entitled to Pension Credit, or you know someone who could be eligible, it is important to act now – or you may not receive a Winter Fuel Payment.
Pension Credit can be backdated by three months and you need to apply by December 21 in order to be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment this year. The average Pension Credit award is worth over £3,900 each year. The main part of Pension Credit is known as “Guarantee Credit” and this tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple.
Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you’re a carer, or you have to housing costs. You can be entitled to extra amounts if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
If you reached state pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have savings or a second pension, you may be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit. This is worth £17.01 a week if you’re single, or £19.04 a week if you’re in a couple.
Pension Credit – how do I apply?
You can apply for Pension Credit on GOV.UK, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can apply up to 4 months before you reach state pension age. You will need the following information to hand:
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
- Your bank, building society or credit union account details
