More than 1.4 million older people receiving Pension Credit across Great Britain, including over 125,000 in Scotland, are required to inform the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they plan to leave mainland Britain for any period, including a holiday. Failure to report such a change could result in their benefit being stopped or reduced, according to official guidance on GOV.UK.
The means-tested benefit, which provides an average of £4,300 per year in extra financial support for those over 66 on a low income, also unlocks access to Council Tax discounts, help with heating bills through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, and other support. However, many claimants may be unaware of the travel reporting obligation.
What Changes Must Be Reported?
Guidance on GOV.UK states that Pension Credit claimants must report leaving England, Scotland, and Wales for any period, for example, going on holiday. Other personal circumstances that must be reported include moving to a new address, starting or stopping living with a partner, the death of a partner named on the claim, starting or stopping work, going into hospital or a care home, people moving in or out of the house, changing name, switching bank accounts, changes to immigration status (if not a British citizen), and starting or stopping looking after a child or young person under 20.
If a claimant enters a care home for more than four weeks, they must also report changes in how care home fees are funded, whether they become a permanent resident, if they move to another care home, or if they go into hospital.
Financial Changes Must Also Be Reported
Claimants are also required to report changes in income or expenses, including housing costs (such as ground rent or service charges), benefits received by anyone living in the home (including new benefits or benefits being stopped), occupational or personal pensions (including starting a new pension or taking a lump sum), other income like foreign pensions, and savings, investments, or property.
The DWP urges people to call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 if unsure whether a change needs to be reported. However, the department warns: “You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.”
Eligibility and Take-Up
Latest DWP figures indicate that more than 700,000 eligible people are not claiming Pension Credit, even though they could be entitled to it. Some older people mistakenly believe that having savings or owning a home disqualifies them, but an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £238.00 for single people or £363.25 for couples. Even those with higher income may still be eligible if they have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing costs.
How to Check Eligibility and Claim
Older people or their friends and family can use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK to check eligibility and get an estimate. Alternatively, they can call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Expert help is also available from Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
Applications can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age, and claims can be backdated for up to three months. Claimants will need their National Insurance number, information about income, savings, and investments, and bank account details. The online service is available if the claimant has already claimed their State Pension and no children or young people are included in the claim.
Other help available to Pension Credit recipients includes Housing Benefit, Support for Mortgage Interest, Council Tax discount, free TV licence for those aged 75 or over, help with NHS costs, and the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
