The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a new effort aimed at assisting older individuals in accessing Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit that offers significant financial support. Despite being eligible, many older people remain unaware of this opportunity.
According to Daily Record, approximately 760,000 people aged 66 and above are missing out on this support. In a bid to address this, the DWP is simplifying the application process, making it easier for pensioners to claim their entitlement. This initiative aims to reduce application complexity and ensure more people receive the financial assistance they deserve.
Simplified Application Process
To encourage more pensioners to claim Pension Credit, the DWP has revamped the application system. The number of questions in the online form has been reduced to a maximum of 48 questions, with some applicants needing to answer as few as 35.
The online service can now be completed in as little as 16 minutes, according to Pensions Minister Torsten Bell. The online application is accessible 24/7, with support available from family members, friends, or third parties.
The DWP has been “streamlining all Pension Credit application routes”, by making the process more efficient and user-friendly. This initiative is part of the ongoing Service Modernisation Programme, which aims to enhance the user experience while ensuring accuracy in awards. The Pensions Minister explained :
“As the Department continues to modernise the Pension Credit service, we review the user experience, balancing simplification of application with capturing the right information to ensure accuracy of award.”
“A key objective of DWP’s Service Modernisation Programme is to utilise end user research to understand how the application process should operate in the future and consider the opportunities on how services can be more user friendly and easily accessible for citizens.”
“To that end we are streamlining all Pension Credit application routes by using information held internally to reduce the number of questions the citizen must answer.”
The online application process remains the most popular method for making a claim, with 90% of new customers opting to apply using the simple online form or by phone.
Eligibility and Benefits Overview
There are two types of Pension Credit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Credit, applicants must be over 66 years of age and have a weekly income below the government’s minimum living amount, which is £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a couple.
Savings Credit is available to those who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and have qualifying income of at least £189.80 per week for singles and £301.22 for couples.
Along with Pension Credit, recipients may be entitled to additional support such as Housing Benefit, discounts on Council Tax, and Winter Fuel Payments for heating costs. Other benefits include a free TV license for those over 75, assistance with NHS dental treatments, and discounts on the Royal Mail redirection service if moving house.
Older individuals or their families can quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit using the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, they can call the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 for assistance. The process is also made easier with expert help from organizations such as Citizens Advice, Age UK, and Independent Age.
