Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a benefit that guarantees most people over State Pension age a minimum income. How much you are entitled to will depend on your other income and savings. There are two types of Pension Credit and you may be eligible for one or both.
Guaranteed Credit: tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount.
Saving Credit: this is a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings. It’s only available if you reached the State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
How do I apply?
To make a claim, ring the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/pensioncredit.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit helps pay for your rent if you are living on a low income. It looks at your income and savings and is based on the amount of rent you pay and any eligible service charges. If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee, then you will be entitled to full Housing Benefit.
How do I apply?
To make a claim, contact your local council.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for those over State Pension age who have a long-term disability or health condition. You do not have to receive help, it is enough to show that you have difficulty with activities like washing and dressing, moving around in your home or getting into bed.
It isn’t means tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you receive. How much you get will depend on the level of care that you need because of your disability. Attendance Allowance is not payable if you already receive a disability benefit like Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
How do I apply?
To get a claim form ring 0800 731 0122 or visit www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance.
Winter support for pension credit recipients
If you don’t currently receive Pension Credit, you will not be entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment this year.
If you missed the September deadline, there may still be time to apply for Pension Credit to receive the Winter Fuel Payment this December. Pension Credit claims may be backdated up to a maximum of three months, so act now to be in with the best chance of receiving your winter payment.
Even if you only qualify for £1, you’ll be entitled to the winter fuel payment, and may also be eligible to receive the following:
How do I apply?
To check if you are eligible and to apply visit: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or call 0800 99 1234.
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