Families are being warned they have just ten days to apply for a benefit which could mean they get a total of £3,824 a year. Pension credit is aimed at people who are on low incomes and those who qualify get extra £3,500 per annum.
People who are registered as eligible also get the £324 cost of living payment - which they could miss out on if they don’t get their application in by December 18. The government is urging people to get in touch to see if they qualify - online or on the phone. The Pension Credit claim line is 0800 99 1234.
Checking eligibility and applying by 18 December 2022 – just ten days away – will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules. Minister for Pensions Laura Trott said: “The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.
Read more: Martin Lewis warning over keeping heating on as temperatures plummet
“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.” Currently, around 1.4 million pensioners in Britain receive Pension Credit.
However, many are still not claiming this extra financial help. It tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £182.60 per week for single pensioners and to £278.70 for couples.
Are you eligible for Pensions Credit?
If you have a partner
- You must include your partner on your application. 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
Your income plays a key role
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £182.60 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £278.70 if you have a partner
- If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
What counts as income
- State Pension
- other pensions
- earnings from employment and self-employment
- most social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance
What does not count as income
Not all benefits are counted as income. For example, the following are not counted:
- Adult Disability Payment
- Attendance Allowance
- Christmas Bonus
- Child Benefit
- Disability Living Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment
- social fund payments like Winter Fuel Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Your savings and investments
If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.
One of those who recently claimed is Arthur from Lincolnshire. After learning about Pension Credit from his neighbour, Arthur successfully applied by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Arthur said: “Highly delighted with the Pension Credit award we received – the money was quicker arriving than expected and all in all very pleased with the result. I’d really encourage other pensioners to check if they’re eligible – it’s made a real difference to me.”
Read next:
- DWP confirms when benefits claimants will receive £10 Christmas bonus
- DWP £900 cost of living payments are due in 2023 - here's who qualifies
DWP Cold Weather Payments: The temperature they kick in and how to get them
Paul Burrell's call for Harry and Meghan's royal titles to be stripped away
Universal Credit among DWP and HMRC benefit increases for 2023
