Pension Credit Criteria

Batfemme

Hi - I'm new and this is my first post.
I just wanted to get people's thoughts on the above.  I need to apply for Pension Credit as I only have my state pension to live on and my savings are below the threshold of £10,000.  However, I am apparently ineligible for this as I receive the New State Pension of 230.25 per week as a single person and I am told my income is too high!  The cut-off point is £227.10 per week so, for the sake of £3.15 per week above this, I am not entitled to any help.  Considering my Council Tax takes nearly a quarter of my income every month, even the basics of life are not sustainable on what is left!

I'm sure other people must have highlighted this before but it was a nasty shock to me.  I was told the thresholds change every April but will always be below the NSP payments and, if I am not happy with this, I can write to my MP!

When you have worked hard all your life and paid your taxes, this is what faces you - top up your income from your savings until they are all gone, then find yourself a warm doorway and a nice big cardboard box! 

p00hsticks

What you state is true, but you can try to apply to your council for a council tax reduction due to low income - some councils have such schemes.  

Ayr_Rage

That's just the way it is.

Hopefully you are receiving the 25% single person council tax discount.

As you don't mention rent or mortgage I presume you own your home, therefore is downsizing an option?

Pollycat

There has to be  cut-off point somewhere.

If that cut-off point was £230.25 you would be eligible but there'd be someone else complaining that for the sake of £3.15 per week they are ineligible for PC.

The only things you can do (and I doubt writing to your MP will produce positive results for you) is to cut your expenditure and see if you qualify for any other benefits.
Also, check that you are in the right council tax band.
Check your Council Tax band - GOV.UK

There is a debt-free wannabe board here and lots of good people can give you ideas about reducing your spend.
Debt-free wannabe — MoneySavingExpert Forum
You don't have to be in debt to post there.

You can check eligibility for benefits here:
Benefits calculators - GOV.UK

Batfemme

Ayr_Rage said:

That's just the way it is.

Hopefully you are receiving the 25% single person council tax discount.

As you don't mention rent or mortgage I presume you own your home, therefore is downsizing an option?

Thank you for replying.  Yes, I do receive the 25% but already have a tiny house (2 up, 2 down) so downsizing isn't really an option.

pmlindyloo

Also, your council may offer support with the cost of living.

Check here:

Get help with the cost of living from your local council - GOV.UK

poppy12345

Batfemme said:

Ayr_Rage said:

That's just the way it is.

Hopefully you are receiving the 25% single person council tax discount.

As you don't mention rent or mortgage I presume you own your home, therefore is downsizing an option?

Thank you for replying.  Yes, I do receive the 25% but already have a tiny house (2 up, 2 down) so downsizing isn't really an option.

What about council tax reduction? this is different to the 25% single person discount. 

constantworrier

https://www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction

SnowWhiterThanWhite

Batfemme said:

Hi - I'm new and this is my first post.
I just wanted to get people's thoughts on the above.  I need to apply for Pension Credit as I only have my state pension to live on and my savings are below the threshold of £10,000.  However, I am apparently ineligible for this as I receive the New State Pension of 230.25 per week as a single person and I am told my income is too high!  The cut-off point is £227.10 per week so, for the sake of £3.15 per week above this, I am not entitled to any help.  Considering my Council Tax takes nearly a quarter of my income every month, even the basics of life are not sustainable on what is left!

I'm sure other people must have highlighted this before but it was a nasty shock to me.  I was told the thresholds change every April but will always be below the NSP payments and, if I am not happy with this, I can write to my MP!

When you have worked hard all your life and paid your taxes, this is what faces you - top up your income from your savings until they are all gone, then find yourself a warm doorway and a nice big cardboard box! 

Are you in receipt of any disability benefits like Attendance Allowance or PIP? If so, there is an extra premium allowed on top of yr state pension that would bring you within the pension credit threshold 

sheramber

Some people could be £1 over the limit and get no help.

It is set as a cliff edge for eligibility. 

That is what the government decided. 

luvchocolate

I believe pension credit was aimed at the old basic pension pre 2016 which in some cases is well below the New state pension