Pension Credit, if eligible, could top up:
-Your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single.
-Your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.
These figures are based on the 2024 Pension Credit rates.
If you are over State Pension age, and think you could be eligible for Pension Credit, then it’s worth finding out whether you are able to claim the average of £3,900 a year extra it could provide.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you additional money to assist with living costs. Often known as a ‘gateway benefit’, if eligible, you could get a free TV Licence, help with purchasing spectacles, travel to NHS appointments, assistance with dental treatment, and many other extras. It also qualifies you for the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
Anyone eligible to claim shouldn’t feel hesitant about doing so, as you or your spouse will have paid the necessary National Insurance over the years and should feel comfortable claiming what you’re entitled to. This is especially important as Pension Credit can also give access to so many helpful extras.
How can I find out if I am eligible?
Since the Chancellor announced the scrapping of the annual Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) for all but those on Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits, more and more people are becoming aware of their entitlement. However, thousands are missing out. The government estimates that only 63% of families that are entitled to Pension Credit are actually claiming it.
The telephone number to claim is 0800 99 1234 or alternatively you can claim online via this link Information you will need to apply online – Apply for Pension Credit (apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk).
Age UK have provided additional information about what documents and other material is required to submit a Pension Credit claim: fs48_pension_credit_fcs.
Independent Age are another registered charity who can provide advice on what financial support pensioners may be entitled to. Phone lines are open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:30pm. Call on: 0800 319 6789.
Nationally, it is estimated that at least 880,000 individuals who might be eligible for Pension Credit are not receiving it, with a proportion of these individuals residing in the Tiverton and Minehead constituency. In light of these recent statistics, which highlight local failures in securing Pension Credit, I very much welcome my constituents to reach out for support. There local and national services that could help, and we urge constituents to attend our upcoming drop-in events to learn more about eligibility and how to submit a claim.
I am happy to announce that our ‘Pension Credit Drop-in Sessions’ in Tiverton and Minehead will allow my team to give first-hand assistance with the claims process. These specific surgeries will take place in a group setting, although confidential discussions can be arranged after the event if full contact details are provided.
I am here to serve you and very much welcome contact to my office and to my team to discuss eligibility and routes to claim. Please do not be afraid to reach out- my team look forward to welcoming you!
Email Rachel and her team via Rachel.gilmour.mp@parliament.uk for any further support.
