Pension Credit Call for Ribble Valley Residents on Low Incomes
Ribble Valley residents on a low income are reminded that they may be entitled to a state pension boost.
Pension credit is a means-tested benefit awarded to people based on their earnings.
It is made up of two parts, guarantee credit and savings credit, and you may be eligible for one or both.
Pension credit is worth around £3,900 a year, but up to a quarter of eligible people fail to claim it, according to the Government.
Guarantee credit tops up weekly incomes to £218.15 for single people and £332.95 for couples.
It also unlocks additional support, including the winter fuel allowance, council tax reductions, NHS dental care and a free TV licence for people over 75.
To qualify you must live in the UK, have reached pension-credit qualifying age (the same as state pension) and have a weekly income below £218.15 if you are single and £332.95 for couples.
When you apply for guarantee credit, the Government looks at all of your income, including your basic and additional state pension, income from other pensions or employment and savings over £10,000.
Ribble Valley has an above average number of older residents – 20 per cent compared to a national average of 16 per cent – some of who might not realise that they qualify for pension credit.
Ribble Valley Borough Council leader Stephen Atkinson said: “It is worth claiming pension credit, even if you are only entitled to a few pounds, because it can help you qualify for other benefits, such as the winter fuel allowance or housing benefit, if you rent your home.
“And if you own your home and pay housing-related charges you may also be eligible for additional help, such as council tax support.
“There is no harm in checking if you qualify for pension credit and you might be surprised.”
There is a handy pension credit calculator at gov.uk and if you want to claim you can either post form PC1 downloadable from gov.uk to your local pension centre, or phone the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234.
To claim, have your national insurance number, information about your income, savings and investments, and your bank account details hand.