UK pensioners are being urged by the government to check if they are eligible for pension credit.
The payment, which tops up the state pension for those on lower incomes, has come into renewed focus after ministers changed the eligibility rules for the winter fuel payment last year.
Since the changes, only those who claim pension credit can claim the fuel payment to help manage their energy costs over winter.
Think you, or someone you know, could be missing out? Read our guide to find out who is eligible for pension credit, how to claim it, and other key information on the payment.
What is pension credit?
Pension credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. It can also be used to help with housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges.
Note too that you can still qualify for pension credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Who is eligible for pension credit?
You are eligible for pension credit if you live in England, Wales or Scotland and you are of state pension age.
In order to qualify, your weekly income, including any pensions, must be below £227.10 if you’re single, or £346.60 if you’re a couple.
Even if you have savings, you can still be eligible. If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments, this will not affect your pension credit.
However, past this point, your savings will start to contribute to your earnings threshold.
What are the perks of claiming pension credit?
Unlike some other benefits, claiming pension credit can be a gateway to receiving additional support and discounts.
If you get pension credit you can also get other help, such as:
How much can I get?
The basic rate of pension credit tops up your weekly income to
You may get extra amounts if you have other responsibilities and costs.
How can I claim pension credit?
To claim, you can:
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Apply online via this link
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Apply by phone by calling 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
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If you have speech or hearing difficulties, you can use the Relay service by contacting 18001 then 0800 99 1234
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Apply by post. To do this, print out and fill in the pension credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form
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Send the claim form to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3. You do not need to pay for postage to do this
Can I challenge the government’s decision if it rejects my claim for pension credit?
If your pension credit application is rejected and you think the decision is wrong, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
This means another advisor in the Department for Work and Pensions will check through your application to see if you should have been awarded the benefit.
You have to write to the address on your decision letter within a month of your claim being rejected.
