Research shows that 880,000 pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit are not currently in receipt of the benefit, which is an average worth £3,900 per year.
If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:
- The Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs
- Help with rent and Council Tax
- A free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over
- Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments.
You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances.
“If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investment 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.
Pension Service helpline:
- call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm).
It can be helpful to have the following details to hand before you get started:
- your National Insurance number
- your bank account details
- information about your income, savings and investments
- information about your pension (if you have one)
- details of any housing costs you have (such as a mortgage, interest payments or service charges)
- your partner’s details, if you have a partner.