According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), around £130million in Pension Credit is estimated to go unclaimed this year. Last year, the figure was £100million.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit aimed at supporting people, who are of State Pension age (66-years-old or older) and on a low income. It can be used to increase people’s income to a minimum guaranteed amount. Some individuals, depending on their circumstances, may also receive additional support if they:
- Have a severe disability
- Care for someone else
- Pay certain housing-related costs, such as
If you're eligible to receive it, Pension Credit can top up your weekly income and potentially give you access to a range of other benefits too.
Extra support
The smallest of Pension Credit payments can open the door to all sorts of other financial help, such as:
- Full or partial Housing Benefit or Council Tax support (depending on your circumstances)
- Help with eligible service charges, including
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Help towards the cost of glasses
- Support with hospital travel costs
- Cold Weather Payments or winter heating payments
- The Warm Home Discount Scheme
- A free TV licence if you are aged 75 or older
Don’t miss out
A successful claim can boost your income and unlock a range of wider support that can help make a difference to your household finances. Don’t assume Pension Credit isn’t something you can benefit from until you’ve looked into it.
If you'd like help with finding out if you can receive Pension Credit or any other benefits, our Money Advice Team is on hand to point you in the right direction and make sure you receive the support that’s available to you.
Struggling with paying your rent? We’re here to help
If you’re worried about rent arrears, benefits or a change in your circumstances, it’s important you talk to us as soon as possible. You can get in touch by calling us on 0345 60 20 540, we can then refer you to our Money Advice Team, who’ll be happy to help.
Helping an older tenant receive an extra £114 a week
Hear how we helped Mr O claim money he was owed by the government.
