Pension Credit claims January 2023

In January 2023, we wrote to residents who may be eligible for pension credits but not yet claiming them. There was an error on the letter and a revised letter was sent on Monday 6 February 2023.

Residents are advised that they must contact the Pension Credit claim line or Citizens Advice Wandsworth if they require any advice or support. 

See a copy of the letter sent to residents.

About Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a payment to top up your income. You can apply for it when you reach state pension age. How much you could get depends on the value of your current state pension, other income and any savings you may have.

How much is it worth?

Pension Credit is made up of two parts: 

• Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60 if you are single or £278.70 if you are a couple. You may get more if you have a severe disability, are a carer or have certain housing costs
• Savings Credit is extra money if you have got some savings or your income is higher than the basic state pension. You could get up to £14.48 extra per week if you are single or £16.20 if you're a couple.

Who is eligible

You could be eligible for Guaranteed Credit if:

• You are state pension age, this is now 66 years old for both men and women
• Your weekly income is less than £182.60 if you are single, or £278.70 for couples. If your income is more than this you could still get some Pension Credit if you have a severe disability, are a carer or you have certain housing costs
• You have capital of £10,000 or less. There is no savings limit for Pension Credit but if you have capital over £10,000, the amount you get will be reduced
• If you were 66 on or before 6 April 2016 and have savings or a private pension you may be able to claim Savings Credit

Other help available

Claiming Pension Credit is important because it means you may automatically be able to:

• Apply for a free TV licence if you’re 75 or over
• Get cold weather payments
• Get £900 in cost of living payments in 2023
• Get help with NHS costs if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit. This can include things like prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments

If you are sick, disabled or have caring needs you could also apply for Attendance Allowance. This is extra help for people 66 and over who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability. If you claim Pension Credit you could get an extra £69.40 a week if you also claim Attendance Allowance. Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.

How to claim

Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

You will need the following information ready:

• Your National Insurance number
• Information about your income, savings and investments
• Your bank account details                            

If you would like to talk to someone about claiming Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance contact Wandsworth Council’s Cost of Living Hub free on 0808 175 3339; or Citizens Advice Wandsworth or via their advice line on 0808 278 7833.