Pension Credits & Working

callistogirl

Hi group - my query is about working while someones partner is on pension credits. It's a relative of mine whose wife wants to do a few hours a week (10 to 15 hours a week, minimum wage) but her husband gets pension credits and she doesn't want that to be affected. Would 10 to 15 hours a week at minimum wage affect a partners pension credits? They don't have any savings. 

thanks for any help!! 

Cal

molerat

I have reported this for moving to benefits as that is more likely to get a better response.

MSE_ForumTeam5

Moved as per molerat's suggestion

Alice_Holt

Yes it would reduce (or end) the PC element.

For a couple PC takes into account both partner's income. It tops their income up to a minimum level.
So if the couple's income increases, less of the PC top up is necessary to get to that level.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/pension-credit/

poppy12345

You said her husband receives Pension Credit, they will both be claiming as a couple, rather than the husband as a single person.

callistogirl

Does anyone know if the husband (who receives pension credits) can work *any* hours at all? even a couple? without it affecting his pension credits? the wife just gets state pension, no top ups. thanks so much for your help 

calcotti

There is nothing to prevent husband working but his earnings will reduce the PC entitlement, as advised by Alice. Any earnings over £10 are deducted from the PC.

PC cannot be claimed cannot both are pension age.