Pension Credit tops up your income in retirement and also unlocks other support, such as free TV licences if you’re over the age of 75, and now the Winter Fuel Payment
Latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show an extra 42,500 households are now claiming Pension Credit.
Pension Credit tops up your income in retirement and also unlocks other support, such as free TV licences if you’re over the age of 75. You’ll also be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300 – but you need to act now to put in your claim.
Today is the final day to apply for Pension Credit by phone, and tomorrow is the deadline for online applications. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis issued a warning today and explained how roughly 700,000 people could be missing out on Pension Credit.
In a video posted to social media, Martin said: “I’d urgently suggest any state pensioners on lower income check now if you’re eligible for Pension Credit, which is a top-up to your income worth typically £4,000 a year. Do it now, you’ll also get the Winter Fuel Payment.”
Minister for Pensions Emma Reynolds MP said: “We’re pleased to see more pensioners are now receiving Pension Credit and our staff are processing claims as quickly as possible. With the 21 December approaching, my message is clear: check if you are eligible for Pension Credit and if you are then apply, as it unlocks a range of benefits including the Winter Fuel Payment.”
The main part of Pension Credit is known as “Guarantee Credit” and this tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but you might still be able to claim if you have a higher income and you have a disability, you’re a carer, or you have high housing costs. Pension Credit also means you could become eligible for other discounts and freebies. Here are just some examples below of the help you may be able to claim once you’re in receipt of Pension Credit:
- Winter Fuel Payment – worth up to £300 a year
- Free TV licence for over-75s – worth £169.50 a year
- Council tax reduction – worth £1,000s
- Warm Home Discount – worth £150 a year
- Housing Benefit – worth £1,000s
- Cold weather payments – £25 a week in winter
- Free home insulation and boiler grants – worth £100s or £1,000s
- Free dental treatment –worth £100s or £1,000s
- Voucher for glasses/contact lenses – worth £39 to £215
- Water bill discount – worth £100s or £1,000s
- Cheaper broadband – worth £100s
