Pension Credit is an easy to claim benefit that will help top up your loved one’s income once they reach State Pension age. If your loved one is eligible, but not claiming Pension Credit, they could be missing out on vital financial support totalling hundreds of pounds each week.
What is Pension Credit?
Separate from State Pension, Pension Credit is extra money most pensioners can receive to help make ends meet. Depending on circumstances, this benefit can also help with housing costs, including reductions in rent or council tax. While the amount received is impacted by income, pensioners are eligible regardless of what type of income or savings they have.
How Much Can They Get?
When your loved ones apply for Pension Credit, their income is calculated and their credit top-up is then decided.
If a pensioner is single, their weekly income will be topped up to £201.05.
If they are in a couple, it will be topped up to £306.85.
Even if a person’s income is higher than the top up, they may still be eligible for some extra support if they care for somebody or have a disability.
Investments and savings can affect how much pension credit is received. If a person has more than £10,000 in investments and savings, their payments will be reduced by £1 for every £500 over that value. For example, if they have savings of £10,500, they will receive £1 less per week.
Pension Credit can also be increased under some circumstances. For example, your loved one can receive an additional £76.40 a week if they receive Attendance Allowance. They will also get that bonus if they receive Personal Independence Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
This benefit isn’t the only way your loved one may be entitled help. Through the Pension Credit process, they could receive further support with housing benefit for rented properties, a reduction in council tax, and additional support with heating costs.
Read our guide to benefits for more information.
How to Claim Pension Credit
To claim Pension Credit, a person must first ensure they’re eligible. Thankfully, the eligibility requirements are simple.
Anybody is eligible for this benefit if they live in England, Scotland, or Wales and have reached State Pension age. If they have a partner, they must have both reached State Pension age, or one of them must receive Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
To apply for Pension Credit, your loved one must have their National Insurance number and details of their total income, investments, and savings.
Your loved ones can apply online through the official Government website. If they prefer, they can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. They can also apply by post.
If your loved one requires additional support, they can receive guidance from Citizens Advice.
Does Attendance Allowance Affect Pension Credit?
Attendance Allowance isn’t subject to other income or savings. As a result, it isn’t reduced by any other benefit. If they are receiving Attendance Allowance, your loved ones will have their Pension Credit increased by £76.40 a week.
Read More: Attendance Allowance: A Simple Guide
Support from Careline365
If your loved ones need extra reassurance at home, consider getting them a Careline alarm.
At Careline365, our aim is to provide added peace of mind to people who might be vulnerable at home. Our personal alarms provide round-the-clock reassurance to our customers and their loved ones. They are ideal for pensioners who may be having trouble moving around. If they are at risk of falling, personal alarms make it easier for them to request help.
To find out more about how the Careline alarm service can help you, read our helpful guide. You can also order your Careline alarm today and receive next-day delivery. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team on 0800 030 8777.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 16th January 2024 to reflect current information.
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