Pension credits

We all have elderly folk in our family or ageing neighbours, and many may or may not be eligible for financial support this coming winter. But recent government announcements have shifted the goal posts, and the welcome Winter Fuel Allowance is now restricted to pensioners receiving Pension Credits or other means tested benefits.

According to government sources, there are upwards of 880,000 pensioners who could qualify for Pension Credits and have not yet applied.

The following alert sets out what needs to be done to ensure that your family members or acquaintances, who may be eligible for this support, take the necessary steps.

Eligibility

If you are a pensioner, single with total weekly income under £218 or if you are a couple, both of pension age, with weekly income under £332, you should investigate and see if you could claim Pension Credits.

Pension Credits bonuses

If you are eligible to claim Pension Credits making a claim is a gateway to additional benefits including the Winter Fuel Allowance. Other benefits might include a free TV license, council tax reductions, and the Warm Home Discount.

How to apply

You can apply via Gov.uk if you have already claimed the State Pension, otherwise phone the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 (or the Northern Ireland Pension Centre on 0808 100 6165). You can backdate a claim for three months, so the quicker you check, the quicker you wlll benefit.

The application process will filter out claimants who are not eligible. Accordingly, if you are not sure if you can make a successful claim, call the above application line and find out.