People who have reached State Pension age and are receiving disability benefits may qualify for an extra £326 each month
State Pensioners on Disability Benefits or Carer’s Allowance Eligible for Up to £326 Monthly Boost
According to the Department for Work and Pensions' online guidance, individuals of State Pension age on a low income who qualify for either Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate care support from Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), can get an additional £81.50 per week of Pension Credit, totalling around £326 every four-week pay period.
Couples, where one partner claims a disability benefit, will also qualify for this extra £81.50 each week.
People receiving Carer’s Allowance may qualify for an extra weekly Pension Credit of £45.60. This additional Pension Credit is also available who qualify for Carer’s Allowance but either do not receive it, or receive a reduced amount than normal, because they are receiving a higher amount from another, income-related benefit such as the State Pension.
Pensioners can easily check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may qualify for using the online Pension Credit calculator available on the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, pensioners can reach out to the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 to make a claim. It is worth noting that lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
What You Need to Know About Pension Credit
Pension Credit provides extra money to help people with their living expenses if they reached State Pension age and are on a low income. It can also grant access to a variety of other benefits.
The benefit raises income to a minimum of £218.15 per week for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples.
Who Should Check for Pension Credit
If are 65 and have attained State Pension age before April 6, 2016, you could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below:
- £260.68 if you are single.
- £380.55 if you have a partner.
Other Benefits You Can Get if You Qualify for Pension Credit
If you are eligible for Pension Credit, you can also have access to other benefits including:
- Housing Benefit.
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house.
- Support for Mortgage Interest.
- Council Tax discount.
- Free TV licence.
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport fees for hospital appointments.
- Help with your heating costs.
How to Submit a Claim
You can submit your application up to four months before reaching State Pension age. You can claim at any point after you attain State Pension age, but you can backdate your claim for up to three months.
In order to submit a claim you'll be required to provide your National Insurance (NI) number, details about your income, savings, and investment and your bank account information if you are submitting your application by post.
