If you are over state pension age, even if you own your own home or have some savings, it may be worth checking to see if you are entitled to receive Pension Credit to help with day to day living costs.
Pension Credit is tax free and tops up your weekly income to a minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioner or £332.95 a week for couples. Even if your income is higher, you might be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, or you have housing costs.
Around a third of those eligible for Pension Credit are not claiming it and could be missing out on this extra financial help which can also open the door to other help available such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax reduction, help with NHS costs, Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments and a free TV licence for those over 75.
People can have savings, or even another pension and still be eligible for Pension Credit. Unlike other income related benefits there is no capital cut off limit and savings of under £10,000 are not counted. Almost half of the people who get Pension Credit own their own home. You may still be entitled to Pension Credit – even if you’re not entitled to a State Pension. It’s always worth checking.
When people apply for Pension Credit, they can also get help to apply for Housing Benefit at the same time, but they will need to contact their local council if they wish to apply for a reduction in their Council Tax.
If you think yourself or someone you know might qualify there is an online calculator on the government website at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator , or you can claim by phone or by post by ringing the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can contact Citizens Advice North Herts via northhertscab.org.uk
In Royston, CAB is at the Town Hall on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9.30am to 12noon.  We are also at Melbourn Community Hub on a Wednesday morning from 9.30am to 11.30am. If you prefer to contact us in advance, you can leave a message by calling 01462 689801, and we will get back to you.
