Are you missing out on valuable pensioner benefits?

When you’re a pensioner and money’s tight, you might assume there isn’t any extra help available, especially if you own your own property. But what if you’re wrong?

This week is Pension Credit Week of Action, so instead of assuming you can’t get any support, find out what support you might be eligible for.

What is pension credit?

Pension credit provides people on low incomes who are over state pension age with extra money to help with living costs.

There are two parts to pension credit:

Guarantee credit - this tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum amount

Savings credit - a top-up for people who have put aside money for retirement by saving or with a work or private pension

Pension credit can be worth around £4,000 a year and can also open the door to other benefits, including:

• help with rent
• a council tax reduction
• fuel bill support
• a free TV licence if you’re over 75

Could you be eligible for pension credit?

When your eligibility is being assessed, the Department for Work and Pensions will look at:

• your age
• the age of your partner if you live together
• your weekly income
• how much you have in savings

If you qualify, your income will get topped up to a minimum income of:

• £238.00 a week if you’re single
• £363.25 a week if you’re a couple

To qualify for guarantee credit, you must have reached state pension age.

Savings credit is generally only available if you reached state pension age before 6 April 2016.

How do I apply for pension credit?

You can make a claim for pension credit on the government website.

Pension credit claims can also be made through the freephone telephone number - 0800 99 1234 - or with a paper application form.

Don’t miss out

If you’re not sure if you qualify, use our free benefits calculator or give us a ring and we’ll check for you.

We can also help you find out if you're receiving other benefits you might be entitled to.

Don’t just assume you won’t qualify. 

Even if you own your home or have some savings, you could still be eligible.