Many people will no doubt have seen that changes have been made to Winter Fuel Payments, with anyone wanting to claim the Winter Fuel Payment now needing to access pension credits.
But what exactly are they and how do they work? Greg Potter, Head of Member Experience at Leeds Credit Union, takes a look.
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.
Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension and you can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
How much could I get?
Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 a year.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person.
You can use the Pension Credit calculator to find out if you’re eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get: www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
If you claim Pension Credit, you could also get other help, such as a council tax discount or housing benefit.
Am I eligible?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
When you apply for Pension Credit, your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
Pension Credit tops up:
Your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
Your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
How do I apply?
To find out more or to apply, please visit: gov.uk/pension-credit or ring 0800 99 1234.
Leeds Credit Union provides straightforward and affordable financial services to people in Leeds.
Photo: Shutterstock
While you’re here, can we ask a favour?
South Leeds Life is published by a not-for-profit social enterprise. We keep our costs as low as possible but we’ve been hit by increases in the print costs for our monthly newspaper which have doubled in the last two years.
Could you help support local community news by making a one off donation, or even better taking out a supporters subscription?
Donate here, or sign up for a subscription at bit.ly/SLLsubscribe
