Married pensioners may be eligible for additional funds from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit that can provide an average of £4,300 in extra support over the coming year. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are currently receiving Pension Credit, but the DWP estimates around 760,000 pensioners are entitled to the State Pension top-up and are not claiming it.
Married pensioners with a combined weekly income of less than £363.25 per week, or single pensioners with an income below £238.00, could qualify for Pension Credit, which boosts income up to that threshold. Some older individuals assume that having savings or owning their home would disqualify them, but an award of just £1 per week is sufficient to unlock other forms of support, such as assistance with housing costs, heating bills, and Council Tax.
The DWP recently confirmed that nearly 78 per cent of all new Pension Credit claims are processed within the target timeframe of 50 working days (10 weeks). This means older people on a low income submitting a new claim this month could receive their first payment and any arrears by August. It is vital that all older people — whether single, married, or cohabiting — ensure they are claiming every bit of extra financial assistance they are entitled to this year to bolster their income and ease the continuing cost of living crisis.
When applying for Pension Credit, income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. If your income is higher, you might still be eligible if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing costs. Not all benefits are counted as income. If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments, this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week.
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234, open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. If you qualify for Pension Credit, you can also get other help, such as housing benefit, council tax reduction, and a free TV licence if you are over 75.
