Reached Pension Age, but worse off.

Solid_Bruce

Heres the jist of it, asking for my parents, mum just reached pension age -

Before = Dad get's £125 State pension + £140.20 Pension Credit = Household income £265.20

Now =  Dad get's £125 State pension + Mum's £143 State Pension, no more Pension Credit = Household income £268

So the money is about the same but by losing Pension Credit, they have lost dental care, TV license plus other benefits.

Am I missing something?

Mum was expecting better care reaching pension age not be worse off. 

calcotti

Not missing anything that I can see. Pension Credit was generous (in benefits terms) for mixed age couples and is no longer available for people becoming a mixed age couple.
Are they claiming Council Tax Reduction (and Housing Benefit if applicable)?
When you say mum was expecting better care do you mean she has a health condition and needs looking after?

Solid_Bruce

Yes they were claiming full countil tax and housing benefits.  But now they have to recalculate because of the change of circumstances so we have to submit loads of documents which has been some hassle.

Mum expected better care as in she basically expected more benefits for both to reach pension age, but so far it seems the money is the same, then theres the hassle of phone calls and submitting documents, and on top they lose the Pension Credit benefits.

McKneff

They have more income now so dont qualify for pension credits. 
Seems if they have council tax discount, housing benefit and over a thousand 
Pounds income they are deemed to be able to afford their own dental etc costs. 
We are in the same position and in my opinion, rightly so

calcotti

As I said Pension Credit was generous to mixed age couples. Based on the facts you have provided the situation seems correct.
They could apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
No way round having to pay for TV licence next month.

andreaj1

Hi 
If you want to help your parents check that they are getting the right benefits you can always use one of the benefit calculators at https://www.entitledto.co.uk/ or https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou.  Regards  Andrea