From September 2024 the previous ‘universal’ Winter Fuel allowance will only be available to people over the state pension age (currently 66) who are receiving Pension Credit (or a limited number of other benefits).
We predict that up to 5,000 Buckinghamshire pensioners who are eligible are not claiming and could be missing out on benefits up to £3,900 per year.
Could you or someone you know get Pension Credit? Check today.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age, on a low income.
The payment tops up your weekly income, to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples.
Who's eligible?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
If you have a partner
You must include your partner on your application.
You’ll be eligible if either:
- you and your partner have both reached State Pension age
- one of you is getting Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age
A partner is either:
- your husband, wife or civil partner - if you live with them
- someone you live with as a couple, without being married or in a civil partnership
Your income
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
Pension Credit supplements:
- your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
Find out how much Pension Credit you could get
Use the Pension Credit calculator to find out how much Pension Credit you could get – without giving any personal details.
How to apply
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.
Information you’ll need
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- information about any income, savings and investments you have
- bank account details
Apply online
You can apply for Pension Credit on the GOV.UK website if you have already applied for your State Pension.
Apply by phone
Contact the Pension Credit claim line:
- Telephone: 0800 99 1234
- Textphone: 0800 169 0133
- NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except public holidays.
Apply by post
To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form.
Send the completed form to: Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3
Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.
Help with your application
If you need help applying for Pension Credit, Citizens Advice and Age UK have trained, volunteer benefit advisors that can assist.
Support sessions are also taking place in Buckinghamshire libraries to provide face to face support for eligible pensioners to fill in and submit their application. Find your nearest Pension Credit Support Session.
For further information about Pension Credit visit the Pension Credit page on the government’s website.
Help if you don't qualify for pension credit
If you aren’t eligible for Pension Credit, you may be able to get financial support from the Buckinghamshire Council’s Helping Hand programme.