Pension Credit provides additional retirement income if you are on a low income, but one in three of the people who are entitled to it don’t claim it. If you’re one of these, you’re missing out on hundreds of pounds a year.
Many people mistakenly believe they can’t get this benefit because they don’t know the full facts. Do any of these apply to you?
‘I own my own home, so I won’t get anything’
Owning your own home doesn’t rule you out. Many older homeowners do make a successful claim.
‘I can’t claim because I’ve got some savings’
Having savings or another pension doesn’t necessarily rule you out. In fact, if you’re over 65, you might be entitled to extra money for having saved some money for retirement.
‘I’ll only be turned down’
Actually, nearly 9 out of 10 claims are successful and 2.5 million households across the UK receive Pension Credit.
‘It’s not worth it’
Even if you only get a little extra each week, receiving Pension Credit may mean you’ll get money for other things, such as rent, council tax and the cost of keeping your home warm.
‘It’s too difficult to make a claim’
It only takes one phone call and you won’t have to fill in a form.
‘We’ve already been told we don’t qualify’
Benefits rates change every year, as can your finances, so it’s worth making a new claim every year.
Age UK can offer you an information guide on Pension Credit on their website – surf to
www.ageuk.org.uk.
Or you can speak to your local Age UK for help with claiming. To find your nearest Age UK you can phone Age UK Advice for free 0800 169 65 65 or use our online search.
