Pensioners are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which comes with a host of additional benefits. The credit supplements a person’s income, but claiming this support also provides access to other Government assistance, with an average claim worth over £3,900 annually.
The vastly underclaimed support boosts your income to £218.15 per week if you’re single and up to £332.95 for couples. Depending on your circumstances, extra amounts can be added to your weekly payment, such as an additional £81.50 per week if you have a severe disability or an extra £45.60 if you care for an adult.
Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist from Royal London, highlighted four types of additional support you might be able to receive if you claim Pension Credit. She commented to say: “If you’re entitled to claim Pension Credit, it acts as a gateway to other benefits.
“So you may be able to claim help with your housing costs through Housing Benefit, or help with your council tax through council tax reduction as well as things like a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over and the Winter Fuel Payment.” If you are considering applying for Pension Credit to secure the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 this year, now is the time as a key deadline is just a month away
Ms Pennells advised: “If you apply for Pension Credit by December 21 you can backdate your claim for three months, and then you’ll be able to qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this winter. The Winter Fuel Payment is worth between £200 and £300 depending on whether you’re part of a couple and how old you are.
“Energy bills are still high and many pensioners struggle to pay for their heating, or don’t put it on for fear of an unaffordable bill.” Eligibility for this payment has recently changed – it is no longer a universal payment for those of state pension age.
Instead, recipients must also be on a qualifying means-tested benefit. Those who claim Pension Credit can also get help with NHS costs, including prescriptions, dental care, glasses, and transportation to hospital appointments.
To qualify for Pension Credit, one must be of state pension age, but it is not necessary to be receiving the state pension. Despite a recent Government campaign and an increase in applications, approximately 760,000 pensioners are believed to be missing out on Pension Credit.
Research by Royal London found that nearly a third of low-income pensioners have not checked if they qualify, and over one in ten of those informed they qualify have yet to apply. Ms. Pennells stated: “Some of the main reasons people miss out on Pension Credit are because they don’t think they would qualify, or they don’t check because they feel too ashamed to admit they need extra help.
“We need to spread the message that there is no shame in accepting help that is available.”
