Bedford Borough Council is appealing to residents that are of state pensionable age to check if they may qualify for Pension Credit.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and you may be entitled to Pension Credit even though you may have modest savings, a retirement home or own your own home.
How much could I get?
Pension Credit is worth, on average, an extra £3,900 per year and can provide a passport to help with other things.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
You can use the Pension Credit calculator to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get by using the Pension Credit calculator.
What else could I get if I claim Pension Credit?
If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:
- the Winter Fuel Payment (or the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland)
- help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payment
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- support for mortgage interest if you own the property you live in
- a Council Tax discount
- a free TV Licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
Am I eligible for Pension Credit?
- You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
- When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner your income is calculated together. What is your weekly income? Is it less that £218.15 if you are single or £332.95 if you are a couple?
- Do you have any savings? Have you got less than £10,000?
People who have more income or savings than this may still qualify for Pension Credit, but the above is a good basic indication of who is likely to qualify.
Before you apply you’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have a joint income:
- National Insurance number.
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have.
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age if this is sooner).
You’ll also need your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
How do I find out more?
You can find out more about Pension Credit by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
How do I apply?
Online: You can apply for Pension Credit online via GOV.UK using link below:
By phone: Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.
By post: Print out and complete the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form. Send the claim form to the Pension Service at Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3.
Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope, you do not need a postcode or a stamp.