Brendoncare’s Guide to Applying For Pension Credit

Christmas is a time of great cheer but it can also be a worrying time for older people who have limited resources. However, there is a chance you may qualify for Pension Credit even if you receive other income, have savings or own your own home. Here is Brendoncare’s guide to finding out if you are eligible.

November 21, 2024

Even if you only qualify for a small amount, it is well worth making an application. That is because just one pound of eligibility acts as a gateway to various other benefits, including the Winter Fuel payment, the free TV-licence (for those over 75), Cold Weather payments, a council tax reduction, and more.

To apply for Pension Credit, the information you will need to give is:

Your National Insurance number
Your bank account details
Information about your income, savings and investments
Information about your pension (if you have one)
Details of any housing costs you have (such as a mortgage, interest payments or service charges)
Your partner’s details, if you have a partner.

How to check your eligibility:

1) By yourself, or with someone who can lend a hand, visit the online Pension Credit calculator here.

2) Enter your details to find out how much you might receive per week.

3) If you decide to progress with your application, be sure to tick the ‘backdate’ option before submitting it.

If your claim is successful, you will be notified by post. Pension Credit is then usually paid every four weeks into your bank, building society or Post Office card account.

To get the Winter Fuel payment given to all those on Pension Credit, you will need to make a claim by 21st December, then backdate it three months.

So please don’t delay if you think you, or someone you know, might be eligible! Although the DWP have extra staff in place to help, there has been a surge of applications. This means that assessments can now take up to 6 weeks.

Need a hand? We have a number of great volunteer Digital Champions who can help you get online. Call us on 01962 857099 or email clubs@brendoncare.org.uk to book a support session (subject to availability).

If you would like direct assistance with the application itself, Citizens Advice can help you with this, and much more. Get in touch if you need details for your local office.

Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit claim line direct on 0800 99 1234.

The Department for Work and Pensions has released a new video all about making Pension Credit claims, which you can watch here.