Pension Credit provides financial assistance to pensioners with limited income. Many people don’t realise they could qualify, even if they own a home or have savings.
The benefit has two parts: Guarantee Credit for those with low incomes, and Savings Credit for pensioners who saved for retirement and reached the qualifying age before 6th April 2016.
Margaret, a retired schoolteacher, turned to Citizens Advice for help when her limited pension made it hard to cover essentials. Advisers explained that she could apply for Pension Credit online, by phone, or via paper form. Since Margaret had eyesight issues, Citizens Advice offered personalised assistance with paperwork. They also informed her that Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, increasing her first payment. Additionally, claiming Pension Credit could lead to other benefits like Cost of Living Payments or Council Tax Reductions.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, contact your local Citizens Advice branch for free, confidential, and impartial guidance.
Visit the website for more information:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/beforeyou-claim-pension-credit/check-if-you-can-get-pension-credit/.
