Appicable Amount

Cheshire_Nick

A friend of mine was 60 in August, but her pensionable age is not until November 6th. In this interim period of 12 weeks, is her "applicable amount" £65.45 (the amount set for 25-59 year olds) or £132.60 for 60+? All the information I can find suggests that the increase to 132.60 occurs at the age of 60 NOT pensionable age, but the local authority when calculating housing benefit are using the lower figure. I appreciate that this is no longer relevant since she is now of pensionable age anyway, but the cost to her over the 12 weeks is £400 unless we can get the LA to review their figures. If anyone can tell me the answer and/or where to find definitive information, I would be most obliged. Thank you

Oldernotwiser

The LA is correct in applying the lower amount.

From direct.gov;

"The age from which you can get the Guarantee Credit – the qualifying age – is gradually increasing from 60 to 65 in line with women's State Pension age. To find out the age when you may be able to apply for Pension Credit, you can use the State Pension age calculator."

fluffymovie

There is a circular for HB which shows pensionable ages in light if the changes.

Not sure of the number but if you visit Www.dwp.gov.uk and search hb circulars it should be on there

Cheshire_Nick

Thanks, but the question was not on pension guarantee, which I know does not start until 6th November in this case, but on the "applicable amount". i.e the amount which HMG determine is the minimum income to live on. I think you are probably right that it is the lower amount until pensionable age is reached, as opposed to reaching the age of 60, but I can not find a definitive answer. This becomes relevant because unfortubatly my friend's husband died 11 days after she wa 60 and thus was in receipt of bereavement allowance of £97.65 up until 6th Nov. Therefore the amount over the applicable amount (or 65% of it) is considered as income, thus reducing housing benefit.

enabledebra

The higher applicable amount is only payable under The Housing Benefit (Persons who have attained the qualifying age for state pension credit) Regulations 2006. These HB regulations are only applicable to claimants who have reached pensionable age as defined by the Pensions Act 1995 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1995/26/schedule/4/enacted

Cheshire_Nick

Thanks for assistance. Happy Christmas