Pension Credit top up could entitle you to free TV licence and more | Personal Finance | Finance
Pension Credit provides a weekly income top up for pensioners on lower incomes. However, it could also open the door to a host of other benefits.
However, Britons who have a larger weekly income may still be able to get some financial help, as the ‘Savings Credit’ element of Pension Credit could provide a weekly boost of £14.04 for single pensioners or £15.71 for those in a couple.
Savings Credit only affects people who reached state pension age before April 6, 2016 and saved some money for retirement.
Claiming Savings Credit could be beneficial even if it only provides a small amount of money, because by receiving any form of Pension Credit, an individual will also be able to claim other benefits.
For example, pensioners who receive Pension Credit and are over the age of 75 are entitled to a free TV licence which could save them £159 a year.
They will also be able to claim £140 off their electricity bill each winter via the Warm Home Discount scheme.
Help with housing costs might be available as well, with renters possibly eligible for Housing Benefit, and homeowners able to claim Support for Mortgage Interest.
The Council Tax Reduction benefit may also be available for Pension Credit recipients, who might even get their Council Tax paid in full.
Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments could also be claimed.
How to apply
Britons can apply for Pension Credit online via the Government website.
Alternatively, they can apply by phone via the Pension Credit claim line, which can be contacted on 0800 99 1234.
Another option is to apply by post, which involves a claim form being sent to the Pension Service.
Pension Credit claims can be submitted up to four months before someone becomes eligible, and can be backdated by up to three months.
