Low-income pensioners in the UK receiving certain disability benefits, or providing unpaid care, may be eligible for additional financial assistance through Pension Credit. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states that qualifying individuals could receive up to £331.60 every four-week pay period.
According to Daily Record, this support is available to people over State Pension age who meet specific income and benefit criteria. It is intended to provide extra help for those managing disabilities or caring duties, ensuring income meets a set minimum level. The scheme also opens access to other benefits and services for eligible pensioners.
Who Qualifies for the Extra Support for Disability Benefits
People over State Pension age who are on a low income and claim Attendance Allowance, the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) may qualify for a disability addition to Pension Credit. This is worth £82.90 per week. The same applies to couples where one partner is receiving a qualifying disability benefit.
Those entitled to Carer’s Allowance can also receive an extra £46.40 per week. This applies even if Carer’s Allowance is not paid in full or at all due to receiving another income-related benefit, such as the State Pension, under what is known as an “underlying entitlement”.
The scheme includes older people in Scotland claiming the new Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).
Pension Credit Basics
Pension Credit guarantees a minimum income of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. These amounts can be higher if the claimant has a disability or caring responsibilities. It is a tax-free, means-tested payment for those living in Great Britain who have reached the State Pension qualifying age.
Nearly 1.4 million older people currently receive Pension Credit, including more than 125,000 in Scotland, many of whom also receive disability benefits. The DWP says this could provide an average of £4,300 in support during the year ahead.
However, more than 700,000 eligible pensioners, including those entitled to disability benefits, are not claiming it.
Other Help if You Get Pension Credit
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you may also receive additional assistance such as Housing Benefit if you rent, Support for Mortgage Interest if you own your home, a Council Tax discount, a free TV licence if aged 75 or over, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and hospital travel costs, help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and a discount on Royal Mail’s redirection service when moving house.
Checking Eligibility
The Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK allows people to check entitlement quickly. Information required includes date of birth, residential status, whether the applicant is registered blind, current benefits received and amounts, details of pensions (State, workplace, or private), earnings, benefits and pensions, and savings and investments.
Questions also cover whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after the applicant.
People cannot use the calculator if they are deferring their State Pension, own more than one property, are self-employed, or have certain housing costs not covered by Housing Benefit.
Applications can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age. Claims can be backdated for up to three months if the applicant was eligible during that time. To apply, claimants need their National Insurance number, income details, savings and investments information, and bank account details. Applications can be made online, by phone, or by post.
