Pension Credit

Did you know that £7 million of state pension is going unclaimed in Oldham?

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a government benefit that provides extra financial support for those over the State Pension age and on a low income. It is separate from your State Pension and can help with various living costs, including housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. Importantly, you can receive Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings, or own your own home.

How Much Could I Get?

On average, Pension Credit is worth £3,900 a year. The exact amount you receive depends on your circumstances, but here are the general guidelines:

• Single individuals: Your weekly income is topped up to £201.05.
• Couples: Your joint weekly income is topped up to £306.85.

You may also receive extra financial help if you are a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

You can find out how much you could be missing out on, with the government’s calculator: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator

What Else Could I Get If I Claim Pension Credit?

Claiming Pension Credit may provide you with access to a range of other benefits such as help with NHS dental care or heating bills, so it’s worth finding out if you qualify. There are no restrictions as to how you spend the extra money.

Claiming Pension Credit opens the door to additional benefits and support, including:

• Housing Benefit: If you rent your home.
• Support for Mortgage Interest: If you own your home.
• Council Tax discount: To help with local taxes.
• Free TV licence: If you’re aged 75 or over.
• NHS support: Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments.
• Warm Home Discount Scheme: Assistance with heating costs.
• Royal Mail redirection discount: If you’re moving house

Am I Eligible?

To qualify for Pension Credit, you must live in England, Scotland, or Wales and have reached State Pension age. When applying, your income will be calculated, including any income from your partner if you have one. Even if your income is higher than the thresholds mentioned, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have additional needs such as a disability, caring responsibilities, savings, or housing costs.

When applying, you’ll need to provide the following information for yourself and your partner, if applicable:

• • National Insurance number
• • Details about any income, savings, and investments
• • Information about your income, savings, and investments on the date you wish to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached State Pension age, whichever is sooner)
• • Bank account details (including the bank or building society name, sort code, and account number)

  How to Apply

  Making your claim isn’t as difficult as you’d think. The easiest way to make a claim is by completing an online form at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim.

  Help is here if you aren’t sure about what to do, and you need help applying online. Computers are available in:

  Access Oldham, Civic Centre, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1UG
  (Access Oldham is moving from May 2024 to Spindles Shopping Centre, George Street, Oldham OL1 1HD)
  Oldham Central Library, Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AL

  Both venues have friendly staff who will be very happy to support you to get your claim in quickly and easily.

  We understand that not everyone can apply online, so you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 to apply by telephone or to ask for a paper form to be sent out to you.