UK pensioners urged to check eligibility for £4,300 DWP boost | Retirement | Finance

Pensioners are being encouraged to check their eligibility for a potential cash boost of £4,300. As colder weather sets in and energy bills rise, it’s crucial that all elderly people ensure they’re claiming all the extra financial support they’re entitled to.

Pension Credit is the most under-claimed benefit, specifically designed to provide additional financial help for older people on a low income – both singles and couples.

As reported by the Daily Record, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are currently receiving this means-tested benefit which could offer an average of £4,300 in extra support in the coming months.

Some elderly people believe that having savings or owning their home would make them ineligible for this means-tested benefit, which can also provide help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

However, an award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other forms of support.

There are two types of Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To be eligible for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must have reached State Pension age (currently 66).

Your weekly income needs to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. The amount is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple – this could be more if you’re disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.

Savings Credit is only available if you or your partner reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and were already receiving it, or if you have a qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple, you might be eligible for some compensation.

What could the DWP offer you?

Guarantee Credit could increase your weekly income to:

• £227.10 for a single person
• £346.60 for a couple (whether you’re married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting)

You might be entitled to more than this if you’re disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can provide up to:

• £17.30 a week for a single person
• £19.36 a week for a couple (whether you’re married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting)

The exact amount you’ll receive depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000.

Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.

Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.