Pension Credit - claim it!

Story: Naheem Hanif

This year’s Poverty Conference highlighted the fact that many people do not claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

Statistics show that half of pensioner households who could claim Pension Credit have not done so. This has led to local and city-wide organisations to come together and run a campaign aimed at encouraging pensioners to apply for Pension Credit. Pension Credit is a tax-free weekly payment for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain.

It is not always clear who is entitled, but if you are unsure, it is worth getting a free benefit check from an independent welfare rights worker. The campaign will be running drop-in sessions where you can find out more.

Who may be entitled?

Single people may be entitled to some Pension Credit if:

• They are aged 60 or over but under 65 and their total weekly income, including assumed income from savings, is less than £109.45

• They are 65 or over and their total weekly income, including assumed income from savings, is up to around £151.

Couples may be entitled to some Pension Credit if:

• One of them is aged 60 or over but both are under 65 and their total weekly income, including assumed income from savings, is less than £167.05

• At least one of them is 65 or over and their total weekly income, including assumed income from savings, is up to around £221.

The exact amount people can get depends on a number of factors including their personal circumstances, their income and their personal savings and investments. However, Pension Credit currently guarantees a minimum income of at least:

• £109.45 per week for a single person or £167.05 per week for couples.

These figures may be even higher if someone is severely disabled and lives alone or lives with another severely-disabled person. People aged 65 or over may be rewarded for having saved for their retirement and could claim extra money. At present this could be an extra £16.44 for single people and an extra £21.51 for couples.

For successful claimants, Pension Credit is a weekly benefit and can be paid directly into a bank or building society account or directly in to a Post Office Card account. In exceptional circumstances where such payment options are not suitable, it may be possible to issue a cheque through the post.

Case Study

Name: Khurshid Anwar Age: 61 Locality: Owler Lane, Fir Vale

Local resident, Khurshid Anwar, successfully applied for Pension Credit recently. Mr Anwar previously worked in factories and various takeaways until his retirement. He said:

“It is difficult to survive financially at this age and any extra money helps. Life is definitely better now that I am claiming Pension Credit. It helps to give me that extra little bit of spending power.”

“And don’t be put off by the application form. If you need help with completing the forms, get in touch with your local advice provider.

“I went to the Pakistan Advice Centre in Fir Vale and they helped me to fill in the form. The entire process was very easy.”

Asked if he would encourage others to claim if they’re entitled, Mr Anwar said: “Absolutely… if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, then I strongly recommend you apply. After all it is money that you are entitled to.”

Drop in sessions have also been arranged where you can find out more about Pension Credit from qualified advice workers. They will be available at the following locations:

Verdon Street Café (The Furnival) Mon 17th October, 10am–2pm

Carwood Meeting Room Thu 27th October, 10am–2pm

Sheffield Companions Club Women only Tue 15th November, 1–3pm

Firs Hill Tenants’ and Residents’ Association Tue 22nd November, 10am–2pm

Wensley Community Centre Tue 29th November, 10am–2pm

If you would like to apply for Pension Credit, the following organisations can give you advice:

Age Concern Sheffield: Mon–Fri, 9.15am–4.15pm tel: 250 2859

Pakistan Multicultural Advice Centre: Mon–Tue, 10am–2pm; Wed, Fri 10am–3pm tel: 242 1610

Pitsmoor Citizens’ Advice Bureau: Mon, Wed–Thu 10am–2pm tel: 275 5376

Yemeni Welfare Advice Centre: Mon–Thu 10am–2pm tel: 261 5164

Further information is also available from: Website: http://www.pensions.gov.uk/pensioncredit Freephone: Pension Credit Application Line on 0800 99 1234 or for those with speech or hearing difficulties on 0800 169 0133.