Claiming Pension Credit

You can claim Pension Credit when you reach State Pension Age. If you are over State Pension Age and a UK resident you may be entitled to the Credit. Non-UK residents and people under State Pension Age are usually not entitled to Pension Credit, whilst people in care homes may be entitled to less Credit. You may consider it unnecessary at first, but decide to apply again later in retirement when your savings are low or you have to cope with unexpected expenses. Make sure that you call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 to enquire as to your eligibility to receive Pension Credit. Pension Credit is not awarded automatically, it must be claimed, and there are estimated to be many thousands of people entitled to Pension Credit who have not claimed their money. If you are eligible for Pension Credit you may be entitled to a back payment of up to twelve months’ benefits.

When you call the Pension Service for assistance they will usually complete a claims form for you, using the information you give them. They usually require your National Insurance number and relevant details regarding your income and savings. The claim form will be sent to your postal address and you will be required to check your details and then sign and return it, perhaps with some financial documents that the Pension Service has requested. If you are eligible for Pension Credit this will be paid into a bank account that you nominate, or you can request it to be sent as a cheque in the post and cash this at the Post Office®.

If the Pension Service finds that you are not entitled to Pension Credit but you feel that you are struggling on a low income, it is worth getting in touch with charity organisations who can listen to your case history and advise you on your options. Charities dedicated to helping the elderly and infirm include: Age Concern, Help the Aged, the Alzheimer’s Society, RNIB and RNID. For more details see article 5 Useful Addresses. In many cases their experienced advisors can fight for your rights to benefits on your behalf and ensure help for pensioners who had previously been refused assistance.