One quick check could help you secure £1,000s in support (Image: Getty Images)
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging people aged 66 and over to fill out a “quick online application” that could unlock an average of £4,200 annually in Pension Credit. Additionally, some could access further aid for heating costs such as the £150 Warm Home Discount, , and Pension Age Winter Heating Payment.
In a recent update on X (previously known as Twitter), the highlighted that it takes “roughly 16 minutes to apply online” for Pension Credit via
An estimated 760,000 state pensioners qualify for this means-tested benefit but aren’t claiming it. Pension Credit applications are processed within the target period of 50 working days from the initial application to the decision letter, meaning that low-income seniors who apply this month could see their first payment and any backdated amounts by the end of March, reports the .
It’s crucial for all elderly people – whether single, married, or cohabiting – to ensure they’re claiming all the financial support available to them this year to help manage the rising . Pension Credit, the most under-claimed benefit in the UK, is designed to provide additional financial support for older people on a low income.
Currently, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are receiving this means-tested benefit, which could provide an average of £4,200 in extra support in the coming months.
Contrary to popular belief, owning a home or having savings doesn’t necessarily exclude one from receiving Pension Credit. This can also assist with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.
Even an award of just £1 per week can open up other forms of support. Here’s a quick rundown of Pension Credit, including eligibility criteria, how to apply, potential benefits, and where to find help with the application process…
Pension Credit eligibility
Pension Credit is available in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached age (currently 66).
Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government considers necessary for living. This minimum is set at £218.15 for single individuals and £332.95 for couples.
You need to have a qualifying income of at least £189.80 a week for a single person and £301.22 a week for a couple. You must have reached age before April 6, 2016, or have a partner who reached age before this date and was already receiving it.
Guarantee Credit boosts your weekly income to a certain level. You might qualify for more if you’re disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount. The exact amount you’ll receive depends on your income and savings.
Any income from savings and capital over £10,000 is taken into account.
How to check your eligibility
You can check your eligibility for Pension Credit via the government’s Pension Credit calculator .
To use the calculator you’ll need details concerning yourself and your partner if applicable when answering some questions included in the calculator:
- Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
- How much you get each week from pensions – , private and work pensions
- Where in the UK you live
- How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
- Your residential status
- Any savings, investments or bonds you have
- Whether you are registered blind
- Which benefits you currently receive
- Any employment earnings
- Your date of birth
After answering these questions, a summary screen will display your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator will then show how much benefit you could receive each week.
As for applying, you can start applying for Pension Credit within the four months before you reach the age and any time after – in this case your claim could be backdated up to three months prior. You will also need the following information on hand before starting the application process:
- Information regarding income, savings, and investments you may have as well as this information dating back to up to three months if you’re backdating the claim
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your bank details
You can apply online through GOV.UK . Otherwise, you can apply by post by printing out and filling in the Pension Credit claim form and sending it to the Pension Service or call the claim line to request a form.
Full details of the application process can be found