The DWP announces crucial support for people of State Pension age facing disabilities: eligible individuals may now receive an extra £326 monthly.
State Pension Age Individuals Eligible for Additional Benefits
According to online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on GOV.UK, if a person of State Pension age on a low income gets Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), they could qualify for an additional Pension Credit of £81.50 per week, or £326 per four-week pay period.
In the same way, a couple receiving Pension Credit with one individual claiming disability benefits will earn an additional £81.50 per week (£326 per month).
If someone receives Carer's Allowance, they may be entitled to an additional weekly Pension Credit of £45.60. They may also be eligible for this additional Pension Credit if they are entitled to Carer's Allowance but are not receiving it, or are receiving it at a reduced rate, because they are receiving a higher amount from another income-related benefit, such as the State Pension - also known as an underlying entitlement.
Pension Credit is a means-tested payment that provides additional funds to help people with their living expenses if they are over the State Pension age and earn a low income.
How to Check Eligibility for Pension Credit?
The quickest approach to determine eligibility for Pension Credit Older persons, as well as friends and relatives, can quickly check their eligibility and estimate how much they might get by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, retirees can call the Pension Credit helpdesk at 0800 99 1234 to file a claim; lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday through Friday.
Below is an outline of the benefit, including who should check eligibility, how to proceed, and how much you could receive.
Pension Credit in a Nutshell
If you are over the State Pension age and have a low income, Pension Credit can help you with your living expenses. It might also offer access to a variety of other payments.
The benefit increases income by a minimum of £218.15 per week for single seniors and £332.95 for couples.
Who Should Check for Pension Credit?
If you are over 65 and reached State Pension age prior to April 6, 2016, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than:
- £260.68 if you're single.
- £380.55 if you're a couple.
Other Assistance If You Receive Pension Credit.
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you can also receive extra benefits, such as:
- Housing benefit for renters
- Mortgage interest support for homeowners
- Council tax discount.
- TV license and assistance
- NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transportation to hospital visits.
- Help with your heating costs with the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
- Discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you relocate to another residence.
Mixed-age Older Couples and Pension Credit
In May 2019, the law changed so that a'mixed age couple' - a relationship in which one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not - is deemed a 'working age' couple when determining eligibility for means-tested benefits.
This implies they cannot collect Pension Credit or Pension Age Housing Benefit until they reach the State Pension age. Prior to this DWP change, a mixed-age couple could be eligible to receive the more lucrative State Pension age benefits if only one of them attained State Pension age.
How to Make a Claim
You can start submit your application up to four months before you reach the State Pension age. You can file a claim at any time after reaching the State Pension age, but it can only be backdated three months.
This means you might receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible at the time.
You'll need:
- Your National Insurance Number
- Information about your earnings, savings, and investments
- Your bank account information, whether you're applying by phone or post.
If you are backdating your claim, you will need information about your income, savings, and assets on the date you want it to begin.