East Suffolk Council

Pension Credit

Are you approaching or already at the current State Pension age of 66? You might be able to get Pension Credit – a weekly benefit that tops up your income.

It can unlock the door to other help too. If you get Pension Credit, you could get help with health costs, housing costs, a free TV licence and more.

Your income

If you are single, Pension Credit tops up your income to:

• £201.05 weekly (about £871 per month)

If you have a partner, Pension Credit tops up your combined income to:

• £306.85 weekly (about £1329 per month)

If your income is already higher than this, 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

so it is still worth applying. You can apply even if you are working, as long as your income is not too high.

Other help

Once you get Pension Credit, even if it is only a small amount, you will then get the following additional benefits:

• free NHS dental treatment, help with the cost of glasses and hospital transport
• reduction in Council Tax
• help with paying your rent from Housing Benefit
• a free TV licence (once you are 75 or over)
• a Cold Weather Payment during very cold weather

If you are a carer, you may get a ‘Carer Addition’ of up to £42.75 per week.

If you have a disability, you may get a ‘Severe Disability Addition’ of up to £76.40 per week.

Am I eligible?

Find out if you are eligible for Pension Credit with the Government’s Pension Credit calculator.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, by telephone or by post.

You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.

If you are already over State Pension age, your application can be backdated by 3 months.

Find out more about Pension Credit and apply on the Government website.

Can someone help me to apply?

If you would like to talk to someone about Pension Credit, or get help to apply, our Financial Inclusion Team are here to help.

Our Financial Inclusion Officers offer helpful, clear and non-judgemental advice and support to households in East Suffolk. Whether it is budgeting, benefits, debt, or ways to make your money go further, the team are here to help. They can offer face to face, telephone and email support. Home visits can sometimes be arranged.

If you would like help to apply for Pension Credit (or anything else to do with your money), contact our Financial Inclusion Team.