CREDIT CRUNCH
Join our campaign to help pensioners claim vital benefit that unlocks winter fuel payment
Scroll to read how you can apply
PENSIONERS have just days left to claim a vital benefit that unlocks this year’s winter fuel payment.
The deadline to apply for Pension Credit is December 21.
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Our Christmas SOS appeal is calling on our big-hearted readers to sign up as volunteers to make companion phone calls to older people on behalf of Age UK.
We are also asking if you could donate towards the charity’s vital work supporting older people, such as its 365-day-a-year phoneline.
Around 800,000 pensioners don’t realise they are eligible for Pension Credit.
It unlocks the winter fuel payment — worth up to £300 — and is also the gateway to almost £10,000 in annual benefits.
READ MORE ON WINTER FUEL
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
YOU may be eligible for Pension Credit if you are aged 66 or above and on a low income.
You can claim if your income is less than £218.15 a week if you’re single, or £332.95 as a couple.
Even if your income is higher than that, you can claim if you meet other criteria, such as being a carer, having a severe disability, having certain housing costs like service charges, or having a child or young person living with you.
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If you are single, claim as a single person.
If you have a partner with whom you share a household, one of you claims and provides details of your partner.
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The combined household income is then assessed.
Both of you must be over state pension age.
However, you may be eligible to claim Universal Credit instead if one of you is younger than 66.
To qualify for this year’s Winter Fuel Payment, submit your Pension Credit claim by December 21 and, ask for it to be backdated.
You can apply for the benefit up to four months before state pension age.
BENEFITS OF PENSION CREDIT
PENSION Credit unlocks the doors to a wide range of other support worth up to £9,665 a year, such as:
1. A one-off £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme payment to help with the cost of energy this winter.
2. Cold Weather Payment of £25 a week, when temperature averages 0C or less in seven consecutive days.
3. Housing benefit worth up to £4,338 a year.
4. £1,670-a-year Council Tax support.
5. £160 yearly water bill discount.
6. Cheaper broadband and phone deals worth up to £200 a year.
7. Free NHS dental treatment and help towards cost of glasses and travel to hospital.
8. Free TV licence if over-75.
9. Extra Pension Credit for some carers worth up to £45.60 a week.
HOW TO APPLY
APPLY online at gov.uk or call 0800 99 1234 for a paper form.
You will need your National Insurance number, and details of income, savings and investments.
A friend or relative can ring for you, but you will need to be there.
Age UK has a free benefits calculator at .
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In England and Wales, you can also get in-person help at Citizens Advice.
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