Claiming Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of state pension age. It is a top up benefit for people on low incomes.
Pension Credit is a “passport” to other benefits such as housing benefit, council tax support, free dental treatment and hospital travel fares so it is worth checking if you’re eligible for it. Rob Sherratt, Advice and Advocacy Specialist, Dementia Carers Count
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit guarantees a minimum income depending on someone’s circumstances. There is a standard minimum guarantee for a single person and one for couples.
On top of that there may be extra elements in the Pension Credit minimum guarantee calculation for severe disability in certain circumstances, and an extra amount for carers. There is also a savings credit element for some claimants depending on when they reached pension age.
The amount of Pension Credit paid will be the difference between your actual income and the appropriate minimum guarantee for your circumstances.
Who is entitled to Pension Credit?
If you are one of a couple (married, in a civil partnership or co-habiting) both of you must be over State Pension age to be eligible for Pension Credit. Your joint income and savings will be assessed.
If only one of you is over pension age, then as a rule you should instead make a claim for the working age means-tested benefit which is Universal Credit.
However, in some circumstances, it is better for a mixed age couple to claim Pension Credit. This depends on whether you have previously claimed Pension Credit or are in receipt of housing benefit. It is a little complicated and worth getting advice on your personal circumstances.
How is my income assessed?
Most income is counted in the assessment. This includes earnings, State Pension and private and occupational pensions, Carer’s Allowance and maintenance payments from a former spouse or civil partner.
You are “deemed” to have income from any capital over £10,000. Capital includes any savings, investments, land and property (apart from the home you live in). For every £500 over £10,000 that you have, you will be counted as having an extra £1 a week income.
Some income is disregarded and is not included in the income assessment. Disregarded income includes disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments, personal budgets and payments from the local authority for personal care, and actual income from capital.
This can be quite complicated but you do not have to do the calculation yourself! If you feel you might qualify for something then make the application and you will be told if you are eligible or not. Or contact our Carer Support Line for more advice.
How to make a claim for Pension Credit
To make a claim you can either:
- Apply online if you have already claimed State Pension
- Make a claim by phone on 0800 99 1234 making sure you have your national insurance number, details of income and savings, bank account details and information on any housing costs such as service charges
- Request a paper claim-form by phone on 0800 99 1234
Without your help I would not have been able to make a claim for financial help. I am no good filling in forms. A big thanks for your help. Dementia carer
Frequently Asked Questions about Pension Credit
No. Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payments are not included in the means-test.
Call our Carer Support Line for advice
We might want to add that there is a savings credit element for some claimants depending on when they reached pension age. This is worked out in a slightly different way. A bit complex to try and explain so probably best to just encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to call and get a benefits check. Also that premiums change when disability benefits are awarded so even if someone has been refused in the past then they should review this when disability benefits are awarded.
Call our Carer Support Line with any questions you have about what financial support you may be entitled to and to ask for help with completing paperwork.
Read Next
Help and Information
Help for dementia carers covering everything from getting a carers assessment, to continence, washing and eating, to lasting power of attorney
Claiming Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a disability benefit which the person you are caring for may be entitled to if they need support to complete daily activities or supervision to stay safe at home.
Reducing your council tax bill
There are ways in which a council tax bill might be reduced, but first it’s worth checking whether the property should be liable for any council tax at all.
