Pension Credit - Is this easy to get

chickmug

I am just turned 60 and struggling to keep working (poor health) and only been working part time for years. Can I simply apply for this benefit and get it? Why is it that 60 seems to trigger this benefit without having to try and get a job. Never claimed any benefit before.

shopndrop

The following is on the Pension Service website (sorry can't do a link, maybe someone else could)

"Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. This could mean extra money for you every week. Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least:

• £119.05 a week if you are single
• £181.70 a week if you have a partner

So depending on your income, you could be entitled. You can apply by phone on 0800 991234.

far

shopndrop wrote: »

"Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. This could mean extra money for you every week. Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least:

• £119.05 a week if you are single
• £181.70 a week if you have a partner

That is just the Pension Credit Guarantee Credit part though. There is a further part which is the Savings Credit which you may be entitled though even if your income is higher and/or you have modest savings. Use EntitledTo to see if you may be entitled to any benefits including this.

real1314

chickmug wrote: »

I am just turned 60 and struggling to keep working (poor health) and only been working part time for years. Can I simply apply for this benefit and get it? Why is it that 60 seems to trigger this benefit without having to try and get a job. Never claimed any benefit before.

Over 60s don't have to look for work - women get their state pension from 60 and are officially retired. They can also claim pension credit to top up a low pension income. Men can also claim pension credit without being able to claim their state pension, otherwise pension credit would fall foul of the sex discrimination act.

chickmug

real1314 wrote: »

Over 60s don't have to look for work - women get their state pension from 60 and are officially retired. They can also claim pension credit to top up a low pension income. Men can also claim pension credit without being able to claim their state pension, otherwise pension credit would fall foul of the sex discrimination act.

I am quite surprised, never having claimed anything, that now I am 60 this is something I can claim and I asume no questions asked, no doctors note, no medical, no having to look for a job.

mdrefach

Yes, it's that easy, providing your income and 'savings' income leave you below the appropriate amount you will get it, no problem.
You also get exemption from council tax and housing benefit (if you pay rent).

allen35

Savings credit don't apply in this case as you are not 65 and over.
The disregard of savings is much better than income support as you are classed as having £1 income for every £500 or part of over £6000 and there is no upper limit for pension credit guarantee. You will be entitled to full housing benefit and council tax benefit as long as you receive pension credit guarantee.

If after being assessed with your savings above £6000 keep receipts of any items, home improvements and holidays as if your savings were reduced your pension credit would go up as long as you prove you have spent it sensibly(what defines sensibly with your own money still confuses me)
Don't forget "part of" this is very important as £6001 would reduce your benefit by £52 per annum but £5999 would have no effect!!!!

mardatha

this is just what I was looking for as well, my husband is in poor health and I dont want him to work, at least this stops you from starving - I think if you've worked all your days, by 60 if you're not keeping well then you should be allowed a rest ! TY

averageguy11

What if yur partner is under 60?

allen35

As long as you are 60 or over you can claim Pcredit for yourself and your partner.
The 60 year old will have to be the claimant and currently you will receive £181.70 but there is a rise in April.
Savings over £6000 will reduce benefit by £1pw per £500 over this threshold

averageguy11

But is the other persons income taken into consideration?.....my wife is 60 nxt year but i wont b for a few years yet...most of the examples given on the site i am looking at dont seem to allow for this situation...i think she will still want to earn..but on a partime basis...probably £100 per week