Pension Credit – the way to get extra help
The rules for Winter Fuel Payments have changed. You may need to claim Pension Credit to qualify.
Until now the government has sent the payment automatically to everyone of pension age. From now it will depend on people’s incomes. To continue receiving it you or you partner will need to claim a benefit like Pension Credit.
This is a weekly benefit to boost the incomes of older people finding it hard to cope with the high cost of living. For example, heating bills are already high but will rise again in October.
Do you qualify?
If you are of pension age and don’t claim Pension Credit it’s definitely worth finding out if you could get the extra help. Our trained CAEE advisers can help by phone, in person, online, or by a referral from another local organisation. How to contact us.
We know from government figures that hundreds of thousands of older people who may be eligible are missing out by not claiming. It’s worth applying for Pension Credit even if you don’t think you’ll get much*.
Visit our website to check if you qualify and find advice on how to claim.**
* There are 2 parts to Pension Credit. They are: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You might get one or both parts. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount. Savings Credit is a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings. It’s only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. If you think you won’t get much Pension Credit, it could still be worth applying. If you get Pension Credit, you can usually get other benefits like Winter Fuel Payments or a Council Tax Reduction.
** Information about making a claim online and alternative ways. And don’t forget our advisers are ready to help with a benefits check all the help available dependent on your circumstances. How to contact us.