Our Tenant Advice Team would like to highlight how Pension Credit could help those over State Pension age with living costs.
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.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.
Other help available
If you get a Pension Credit, you can also get other help, such as:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Council Tax discount
- a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
How much Pension Credit could I get?
Your income is calculate when you apply for Pension Credit (if you have a partner, your income is calculated together).
Pension Credit will top up your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single. If you have a partner, your joint weekly income will be topped up to £332.95.
If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you are disabled, you care for someone, you have savings or if you have housing costs.
How to apply for Pension Credit
You can use the online service if you have already applied for your State Pension. You will need (for you and your partner, if you live with them):
- National Insurance number
- details of income and pensions
- details of money, savings and investments, usually for the last three months