Pensioners across the country could receive £1,000s through one claim (Image: Getty Images)
A new update from the Department for Work and Pensions () has shown that almost 78% of new Pension Credit claimants are processed within a target of 50 days. Because of this, older people on a low income, particularly those living alone, could receive their first payment and any arrears before Easter Sunday on April 20.
Despite the full New now being worth £221.20 per week and the full Basic worth £169.50, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that in 2021, some 3.3 million people aged 65 years and over were living alone in England and Wales. It’s crucial for all older people – single, married or cohabiting – to make sure they are claiming all the additional financial support they are entitled to this year to help boost their income and offset the ongoing crisis, reports the Daily Record.
The eligibility rule change to the annual means that only pensioners in claim for certain benefits, such as Pension Credit, received the 2024/25 payment by January 29. 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 common misconceptions, having savings or property ownership does not necessarily disqualify one from Pension Credit. This benefit can help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.
Even a small award of £1 per week can pave the way for further assistance. Here’s a brief guide to Pension Credit, outlining eligibility criteria, potential benefits, and where to seek help with the application process….
All those able to claim Pension Credit
There are two types of Pension Credit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of age (66) and your weekly income must be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on – £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a couple. This amount could be higher if you’re disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.
You can only get Savings Credit if:
- you have qualifying income of at least £189.80 a week for a single person and £301.22 a week for a couple
- you reached age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached age before this date and was already receiving it
The amount you could receive from DWP
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to:
- £218.15 for a single person
- £332.95 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting)
If you’re a carer, disabled, or have certain housing costs, you might be eligible for more than the standard amount. Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount, with the exact figure depending on your income and savings, including assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000.
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:
- How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
- Whether you are registered blind
- Your residential status
- Your date of birth
- Which benefits you currently receive
- Any savings, investments or bonds you have
- Any employment earnings
- Where in the UK you live
- How much you get each week from pensions – , private and work pensions
- Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
Once you’ve answered these questions, a summary screen displays your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could receive each week.
How to apply
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