Government Pension Credits

In light of the recent announcement by the Government to scrap the winter fuel subsidy, we are mindful that some pensioners will be worse off as a result.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging hundreds of thousands of pensioners to apply for Pension Credit, worth an average of £3,900 per year.

It is estimated that as many as 880,000 eligible pensioners are missing out on the benefit and so the DWP is encouraging friends, families and neighbours to reach out to retired people they know to check if they qualify.

Pension Credit can provide vital support to low-income pensioner households. It is especially important now that it is linked to winter fuel payments.

Retirees could be eligible for pension credit if they are above state pension age and have an income of less that £218.15 a week, or less than £332.95 as a joint weekly income with a partner.

Disabled people, those caring for someone, and those with housing costs could still be eligible even if they have more income or savings.

Even if you are not eligible, we encourage you to talk to other pensioners to share this information in case they are.