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<\/p>\nMarried couples over state pension age could be entitled to up to \u00a34,300 a year in Pension Credit, but thousands still aren\u2019t claiming it.<\/p>\n
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed to top up the incomes of older people on low incomes and help them cope with rising living costs.<\/p>\n
It is paid by the Government, and can provide a significant financial boost to both single pensioners and couples whose income falls below a set weekly level.<\/p>\n
Around 1.4 million pensioners across the UK currently receive the benefit, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).<\/p>\n
However, official estimates suggest around 760,000 people who qualify for the benefit are not claiming it, with the average value of Pension Credit this financial year at around \u00a34,300 per household.<\/p>\n
For couples who qualify, the benefit can increase their combined weekly income to \u00a3346.60.<\/p>\n
Single pensioners who are eligible can have their weekly income topped up to \u00a3227.10.<\/p>\n
Figures reported by the Daily Record show that 78 per cent of new Pension Credit claims are processed within 50 working days.<\/p>\n
Eligibility is not affected by whether someone owns their home, has savings, or receives income from other sources, although these factors are taken into account when calculating entitlement.<\/p>\n
Additional amounts may be available for people who are carers, those who are severely disabled, or those who are responsible for a child or young person.<\/p>\n
Hundreds of thousands still aren\u2019t claiming<\/p>\n
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Receiving Pension Credit can also unlock access to a range of other financial support, including help with Housing Benefit and reductions in Council Tax.<\/p>\n
Claimants may also qualify automatically for Cold Weather Payments during periods of particularly low temperatures.<\/p>\n
Anyone with a partner must include them on the application, even if the partner has not yet reached the required age.<\/p>\n
In some cases, a claim may also be possible if one partner is over state pension age and the other is receiving Housing Benefit for older people.<\/p>\n
When assessing eligibility, the Government counts most forms of income.<\/p>\n
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Households are missing out on support on bills like council tax<\/p>\n
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This includes the state pension, workplace or private pensions, earnings and most social security benefits.<\/p>\n
However, the following payments are excluded from the income calculation:<\/p>\n
Adult Disability PaymentAttendance AllowanceChild BenefitChristmas BonusCouncil Tax ReductionDisability Living AllowanceHousing BenefitPension Age Disability PaymentPersonal Independence PaymentScottish Adult Disability Living AllowanceSocial fund payments, including the Winter Fuel Payment<\/p>\n
Unclaimed workplace or personal pensions still count as income, even if the money is not being actively received.<\/p>\n
Any deferred state pension amounts are also included in the assessment.<\/p>\n
Savings of up to \u00a310,000 do not affect Pension Credit entitlement, but anything above that figure is treated as producing additional income.<\/p>\n
For every \u00a3500 held above the threshold, \u00a31 a week is added to the income calculation, meaning someone with \u00a312,000 in savings would have \u00a34 a week added to their assessed income.<\/p>\n
Successful applicants automatically qualify for Cold Weather Payments, with those aged 75 or over may also be able to apply for a free TV licence.<\/p>\n
People who receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit may qualify for help with NHS costs, including prescriptions and dental treatment.<\/p>\n
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Support is also available for health costs<\/p>\n
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Claims for Pension Credit can be submitted up to four months before reaching state pension age.<\/p>\n
If a claim is made after reaching state pension age, it can usually be backdated for up to three months.<\/p>\n