Mum's Question

amtrakuk1975

Just had a call from Mum, shes doesn't know if she's getting pension credit and by extension Winter fuel benefit.  Shes asked me to find out as being upwards of 80 years old she is petrified about calling anyone.  She said she is getting a supplemental DWP weekly income of £26.80 on top of her monthly DWP payment of £734.76.

What is the best way to find out for her?

Thanks

sammyjammy

Its quite possible the large payment is her state pension and the smaller Pension credit, does she not get letters each year telling her what her payments will be?  The payments should have a reference against them on her bank statement so check that first.

amtrakuk1975

Just gave her a call but she cant lay her hands on any letters at the moment.   She cant remember filling out any forms to claim for it

Robbie64

Your mum may have been in receipt of the Minimum Income Guarantee (Income Support for pensioners) when Pension Credit was first introduced about 20 years ago. If so, she won't have had to fill out any forms.

If she doesn't want to phone up the DWP, and she will have to go through security so will need to be there is anyone phones on her behalf, she could fill in a request for proof of entitlement to Pension Credit. If she's getting it, she'll get an answer. If she gets no answer then she / you could always phone up to double check if she's getting / not getting PC.

https://secure.dwp.gov.uk/get-a-proof-of-benefit-letter/

It's a straightforward form to complete. Tick both Pension Credit and State Pension. You'll get a letter for each benefit if both are in payment. If you only get a reply for State Pension then you can phone them up to double check if Pension Credit is or isn't in payment. It normally takes about a week for a reply. The letter(s) (for each benefit) will list how much benefit is in payment. It's an automated system so it's quick and easy to check.

amtrakuk1975

I just called her and I asked her what the description next to the weekly £27 payment is.   "DWP PC" and her NI number.  I've filled out the confirmation letter Robbie kindly advised as a backup.  So am I right assuming PC stands for pension credit?

Robbie64

amtrakuk1975 said:

I just called her and I asked her what the description next to the weekly £27 payment is.   "DWP PC" and her NI number.  I've filled out the confirmation letter Robbie kindly advised as a backup.  So am I right assuming PC stands for pension credit?

It definitely sounds like it. My mum's PC payment is listed as the same on her bank account. However, my mum's PC and State Pension are paid together, each week. I'm assuming your mum gets her PC each week but her SP every 4 weeks? Added together her PC and SP should total £218.15, the minimum amount PC is meant to top up income to. Your mum's totals £210.49 (£26.80 + £183.69 SP). Is there a reason why she could be getting less than the minimum income PC is supposed to guranatee? Possibly a deduction for a Social Fund Budgeting Loan or a reduction because she has savings above £10,000?

Brie

I recently received a letter to say I "might" be eligible if I'm in receipt of certain benefits.  (I'm not, so no WFA for me)  She presumably would have received a similar letter unless they stop sending them once someone is over 67.