Although the rules for Winter Fuel Payments have becomes stricter, reducing eligibility for many, there are still various benefits payment and cash handouts that those of state pension age can claim this August.
State Pension Recipients Can Get Up to £1,629 this August
People aiming to improve their financial situation or simply make ends meet are encouraged to claim all the benefits they qualify for.
To begin with, anyone who qualifies for the state pension can get a weekly payment worth up to £221, or a monthly £884. To ensure you are eligible for state pension payments, you must have reached state pension age, accumulated a minimum number of National Insurance contributions, and not already receiving any other type of pension benefits.
In addition to this, you may also claim a free TV Licence, valued at £14 a month. If you, your partner or anyone in your family has reached the age of 75 or over and receives Pension Credit, you could significantly cut your annual TV Licence costs to zero, saving £169.50 per year or about £14 per month.
Boost Your Monthly Income Through Pension Credit
If you're looking to boost your monthly income, Pension Credit is a great option to consider. If you’re single, and your total weekly income is no more than £218, or £332 if you have a partner, it’s advisable to claim pension credit to increase your income by £75 weekly or £300 monthly.
Pension Credit can also qualify you for a reduction in Council Tax. This can cover your whole council tax bill, or a part of it.
In England the average council tax bill is £131 per month, however many families, especially those living in larger houses, will have to pay more than that. The increases because council tax rates are based on property values set in the early nineties.
Pension Credit can also make you eligible for the Housing Benefit, which can help you earn thousands of pounds each year. If you are renting your house and get any amount of guarantee credit, you could qualify for the full amount of housing benefit available to you.
No specific amount has been set, but this could cover your entire rental bill, amounting to over £200 a month.
If you receive guarantee credit along with your Pension Credit, you can also apply for free dental care, which is valued at over £1,000 per year, or about £80 a month.
Pension Credit claimants can also get unlock some special phone and broadband deals that could save them £20 off their bill.
Overall, this amounts to £1,629 worth of benefits you may qualify for this August.