Pension Credit: what you need to know

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.   

According to gov.uk up to 880,000 households across the UK may be missing out on support worth on average over £3,900 a year.  Pension Credit also opens doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.   

Who can claim Pension Credit?

You can claim Pension Credit if you’re of State Pension age and on a low income. You must live in England, Scotland or Wales to qualify.  

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and savings, a private pension or owning a home are not necessarily barriers to receiving it. 

When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.   

If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, or have housing costs.   There is a Pension Credit eligibility checker available on the gov.uk website. 

How much is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit tops up:   

·         Your weekly income up to £218.15 if you’re single.  

·         Your joint weekly income up to £332.95 if you have a partner.  

How to claim Pension Credit?  

You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age or any time after you reach State Pension age, but your application can only be backdated by three months.   

This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.   

You can claim Pension Credit by applying online via the gov.uk website.  You can also claim over the phone by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.  A friend or family member can call with you if you cannot use the phone.  

If you would like help with checking your eligibility or applying for Pension Credit, then please contact the Advice Centre.  We are open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 1.30pm.  You can phone us on 01892 838619 or drop into our offices in Paddock Wood during our opening hours.  Outside of our opening hours you can leave a message on our answer phone or email us info@pwadvice.org . This information is taken from one of our trusted resources, the gov.uk website

PWCAC is OPEN for face-to-face advice (appointments and drop-ins) Monday to Friday, 9:30 – 1:30. If you need advice about welfare benefits, housing and homelessness, debt, relationship breakdown, consumer issues or anything else, get in touch:  info@pwadvice.org | 01892 838619  94 Commercial Road, Paddock Wood,

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