Council supports Pension Credit Day of Action
14 Jun 2022 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get
Thousands of older people in Northumberland could be missing out on support worth more than £3,300 a year on average if they are not claiming Pension Credit.
To help spread the message, Northumberland County Council is supporting the Department of Work and Pension’s Pension Credit Day of Action on Wednesday, 15 June.
The Day of Action aims to mobilise pensioners, their loved ones and friends, to check their eligibility for Pension Credit and apply for the support.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, cabinet member for adults' wellbeing said: “Here in Northumberland around 2,500 older people could be missing out on support worth more than £3,300 a year on average.
“If you work with people over State Pension age, or know anyone who might be eligible, then please encourage them to find out more.
“People of State Pension age may be entitled to Pension Credit even if they have modest savings, or a retirement income or own their own home.
“And an award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.”
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 a week for single pensioners or £278.70 for couples.
It is a tax-free payment for those who:
People can have savings or another pension and still get extra money. Unlike other income related benefits like Universal Credit, there is no capital cut-off limit and for Pension Credit savings of under £10,000 are ignored.
The payment can be backdated for up to three months, so applicants whose circumstances have not changed in the last three months should ask to have their payment backdated.
People receiving Pension Credit are also entitled to the DWP’s energy support payment of up to £650.
The DWP will make the payment in two lump sums, so people need to make a successful claim for Pension Credit before 24 August to receive both instalments.
The Pension Credit calculator can be useful in finding out how much Pension Credit someone may be entitled to – without giving any personal details.
People can apply by phone via the Pension Credit claim line, or a friend or family can call on their behalf.
Pension Credit claim line
Find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit and how much you could get