Pension Credit

Nearly half of all pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit which was introduced in October 2003. Many people who could be getting this extra money have not yet made a claim.

If you are not sure whether you could get extra help from Pension Credit it can do no harm to claim anyway.

Pension Credit has two parts:

• The guarantee credit for people aged 60 and over which should ensure that all single people have an income of at least £114.05 a week and couples at least £174.05 a week (from April 2006). These levels may be higher if you are severely disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.
• The savings credit of up to £17.88 for a single person or £23.58 for a couple provides extra cash to people of 65 and over with modest incomes who have made savings for retirement, for example through an occupational pension.
• You may get guarantee credit, savings credit or both.
• There is no upper savings limit for Pension Credit but if you have savings over £6,000 this will reduce the amount of benefit you get.
• To apply ring the Pension Credit Line on 0800 99 12 34 (free call) to get an application form or to claim over the phone.