Should you be claiming Pension Credit?

If you’re over pension age and struggling to make ends meet then you might be eligible for Pension Credit. Many people think they are not entitled to claim, but you can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

It’s worth checking as it may not only give you more income, but also provides access to additional benefits which can help with rent or mortgage interest, council tax and one-off payments such as the Winter Fuel and Cold Weather payments. You will also be able to get lower tariffs for your gas and electricity. Some claimants can get a free TV licence and help towards NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs to hospital too.

Even if your Pension Credit entitlement is just a few pence, it could be worth much more in these additional payments and can potentially be backdated for up to three months.

To ensure that you qualify for the Winter Fuel Allowance, you should apply before the 21st of December 2024.

To work out how much you might get, you can use the online Pension Credit calculator on the government website: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.

You’ll need to gather details of your income - be it from benefits, pensions, employment or anything else - as well as any savings and investments or any other properties you own other than the one you live in.

To make a claim you can contact the Pension Credit claim line on: 0800 99 1234

If you need help with applying or checking eligibility then contact Citizens Advice Eastleigh Adviceline on: 0808 278 7862. Lines are open 10am-4pm Monday to Thursday and there is an answerphone service outside these hours to arrange a callback. Calls are free from landlines and most mobile networks.