Are you, or any of your friends or family, over 60? Apply for Pension Credit now

What is this all about?

Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 that guarantees everyone a minimum weekly income.

Until 6 October 2008, as well as getting the extra money each week, if you apply for Pension Credit and are eligible you may also receive a backdated payment of up to 12 months money.

After 6 October 2008 this drops to 3 months backdating so claim now so you don't miss out on this money.

More about Pension Credit

Unfortunately many people do not apply for the benefit as they find it confusing or intrusive, in fact there are thought to be about 1.5 million people that are entitled to the money but are not claiming, so if you, or your friends and family, are over 60 please check to see if you could getting this extra money.

How much could I get?

Pension Credit itself is made up of two parts, Guarantee Credit, the bit that tops up your income to a set amount (anyone 60 and over is entitled to apply for this part) and Savings Credit, extra money for people 65 and over who have some savings.

The rates of Pension Credit you get each week depends on whether you are single or have a partner:

• If you are single your income will be topped up to £119.05, the Guarantee Credit, and a further £19.05 if you can get Savings Credit.

• If you have a partner (and only one of you needs to be be over 60) your income will be topped up to £181.70, the Guarantee Credit, and a further £25.26 if you can get Savings Credit.

For example, a 62 year old single person with an income of £100 a week would get an extra £19.05. That’s nearly £1,000 a year. A 62 year old couple with an income of £150 a week would get £31.70 a week, which is over £1,600 a year.

To work out how much you could get take five minutes to try the Pension Credit Calculator

What are the other benfits of getting Pension Credit?

Some people do not apply for Pension Credit as it only gives them a small amount each week. But as it is a ‘Passport Benefit’ by getting even 1p a week can mean you are entited to other benfits such as Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit or free services such as a free digital tv box, grants for your home or cold weather payments.

How to apply?

You can apply any time within four months of your 60th birthday, either by phone or by completing a form.

• By phone: Call 0800 99 1234, 8am to 8pm Mon to Fri and 9am to 1pm Sat. Someone will fill in an application form for you over the phone or can call you back at a more convenient time to fill in the form. They will then post the filled-in form to you so you can check it and sign it.
  
  If you apply by phone you can also apply for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit at the same time, which is money to help pay for your rent or council tax costs.

• By form: You can either print the form, fill in and post, or fill in online, print and post. Get the form

To tell if you can get any money the Pension Service will need to look at your income such as pensions, some other benfits, earnings from a job and any savings you have over £6,000. If you live with your grown up family or own your own home this does not count as income.

What if I don’t claim before 6 October 2008 or am not 60 yet?

If you claim after 6 October 2008 you will only be able to ask for 3 months backdating, instead of the current 12, but there are other changes to the system to make it easier for people to apply.

For example you will only need to make one application to the Pension Service that covers Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit and your information will be automatically sent to your local authority without you having to send off any forms.

Futher info: Five Minute Benefits Checkup

If you would like more information on benefits, advice for older people and help with filling in forms contact your local Age Concern.

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