The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that older people can still receive the second £324 cost of living payment if they make a new claim for Pension Credit.
In order to be eligible, applicants must been entitled to a payment of Pension Credit prior to the qualifying date of September 25. Because Pension Credit is a retrospective benefit, it can be backdated by up to three months.
This means that the final date people can successfully backdate their claim to get the cost of living payment is December 19. However, the DWP has urged claimants to submit their application "as soon as possible".
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As reported by the Daily Record, even if you are only awarded 1p, you will still be eligible for the £324 cash boost that is being delivered to more than eight million people across Scotland and the UK next month.
The DWP stated: “People do not have to do anything extra to backdate their claim. If they make their application online, they will automatically be asked about backdating, and if they make their application over the phone the adviser will talk them through this.
"The last date for those who can successfully backdate their claim is 19 December, though we urge people to get their applications in as soon as possible."
New DWP date indicates that around £1.7 billion is being unclaimed by approximately 850,000 older people. These pensioners are missing out on over £3,300 per year on average, as well as other discounts the 'passport' benefit unlocks.
Pension Credit boosts claimants' income to a minimum of £182.60 a week for single pensioners. Couples, meanwhile, will have their income boosted to a minimum of £278.70.
You can check whether you may qualify for Pension Credit by using the UK Government's online calculator, or by calling 0800 99 1234. Read on for a roundup of the key information you should know about Pension Credit before making a claim.
What is Pension Credit?
Approximately 1.4 million people throughout the UK get help with their living costs through Pension Credit. It is available to people over the State Pension age and on a low income.
According to the DWP, hundreds of thousands of people are missing out on Pension Credit as well as the discounts that it provides.
Other help if you get Pension Credit
If you receive Pension Credit, you can also get the following:
- 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
- Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house
How to use the Pension Credit calculator
In order to use the GOV.UK calculator, you will have to have information regarding your:
Earnings, benefits and pensions
Savings and investments
You will be asked a series of questions about:
- Your date of birth
- Your residential status
- Where in the UK you live
- Whether you are registered blind
- Which benefits you currently receive
- How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
- Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
- How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions
- Any employment earnings
- Any savings, investments or bonds you have
After you have submitted your answers, you will be taken to a review page that displays all of your responses. After you have confirmed your choices, you will then be told how much you could receive per week.
Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator?
You are not able to make use of the calculator if either you or your partner:
are deferring your State Pension
own more than one property
are self employed
have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit
How to make a claim
You are able to begin an application four months before you officially reach State Pension. You can make a claim any time after you reach State Pension age, but your payments can only be backdated for three months.
To apply, you will have to have:
your National Insurance number
information about your income, savings and investments
your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post
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