Pension Credit tops up your income if you’re over state pension age – but it also comes with additional perks such as unlocking the Winter Fuel Payment
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has urged older Brits to do a “quick online” check to see if they’re eligible for Pension Credit.
This is a benefit that tops up your income if you’re over state pension age – but it also comes with additional perks. For example, it also means you become entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, free dental treatment, plus a free TV licence if you’re over the age of 75.
But it is estimated that up to 880,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit each year. The DWP has put out an urgent message on X, formerly Twitter, calling for people to spend a few minutes checking their eligibility. The DWP said: “Are you over 66? A quick online application could unlock £4,200 per year on average in Pension Credit plus extra help with heating bills including a Warm Home Discount.”
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
