Pension credit & winter fuel payments

jamiesmack

My father is just about to reach pension age on the 6th Nov (D.O.B 7/11/1953)

Due to lack of NI payments his state pension is due to be £79. he has no other pensions or savings. Would he qualify for a pension top up? If so what is the process for this?

Also, would he qualify for a winter fuel payment? the GOV website states D.O.B before 5th Nov 1953, but didnt know if that was a rolling date.

Thanks

calcotti

Your father is born just too late to get a winter fuel payment this year. He will get one next year.

He may qualify for Pension Credit to top up his income https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit. If he does not live alone his partner’s income will also be taken into account. Savings over £10,000 also have an impact. If he is alone with no other income or savings Pension Credit will increase his income to £163/week. Details of how to claim are in the link.

He may also qualify for Council Tax Reduction from his local authority and Housing Benefit if he is renting. Again these are means tested and depend on other income and savings. If he gets Pension Credit he should be able to get all of his Council Tax paid (and all of his rent if applicable).

xylophone

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/factsheets/fs48_pension_credit_fcs.pdf
is a comprehensive guide.