Pensioners have been advised to check now to see if they are eligible.
From April, Pension Credit will be uplifted, meaning pensioners could be in for a payout. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Pension Credit will be uplifted by 4.8% from April, to approximately £238. Receiving £238 per week could mean you see £12,376 per year.
Not only this but you can also use it to qualify for seven extra benefits. For those aged 75 or over, you can also get a free TV licence.
You can start your application four months before you reach state pension age (Image: Getty Images)
To claim Pension Credit, you will need to receive less than the full state pension amount per week (around £241) without other income.
If you’re wondering when you can apply, you can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age.
You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age, but your application can only be backdated by 3 months.
You can still claim it if you own your home or have savings, although the amount you receive may be reduced depending on your savings. You can also still claim if you are caring for someone with a disability, or if you have one yourself.
Pension credit could top up your pension (Image: Getty Images)
Full list of seven benefits include:
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Cold Weather Payments (or Winter Heating Payments in Scotland)
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
- A Council Tax Reduction
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit
- Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
