A guide to Pension Credit
Further to last week’s Council motion regarding the recently announced national changes in Winter Fuel allowance, I have been requested to share with you some further details of the work we have been doing to encourage residents to see if they are eligible and to apply for Pension Credit.
Pension Credit, administered by the DWP a notoriously ‘under claimed’ benefit and there are many households who may be eligible who either do not know they are entitled to a ‘top-up’ or do not want to claim.
Work has been underway for the last couple of months to help raise awareness, break the stigma and dispel myths!
- Lincolnshire Financial Inclusion Partnership (LFIP) have been leading a countywide campaign to promote Pension Credit uptake.
This was developed before the Government announced the national promotion as had been part of LFIP work to help residents increase household income through claiming entitlements
I represent SELCP on the steering group for LFIP and the partnership has a network of over 100 members from public, private and third sector including local charities Age Uk and Citizens Advice.
Attached is LFIP summary – you can also help us share and promote by sharing and liking Money Talk Lincs on social media
- Citizens Advice Mid Lincs are core-funded by Boston Borough Council and we continue to work with them to help people access independent, impartial advice.
They offer a local advice line (Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm) on freephone 0808 278 7942 and have drop-in advice sessions Tuesday & Thursday 9.30 – 12.30
The national webpage also has excellent information and help to understand Pension Credit: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/
- Cost of Living Support webpage will continue to be reviewed and updated as new welfare support is confirmed, so good place to signpost people to if they are struggling with household budgets: https://www.boston.gov.uk/costofliving
- Myth busting – many people don’t claim Pension Credit because they assume they will not be eligible!
I’m probably not eligible because I own my own home – not true! Pension Credit eligibility is based on your income
I’m still working – isn’t it just for people on pensions? – no anyone of state pension age can apply. Pension Credit is assessed on income, whether it’s from earnings or from employment.
Having savings means you are not eligible - Savings of £10,000 or less don’t affect your eligibility for Pension Credit. If you’ve got savings of more than £10,000, every extra £500 counts as income of £1 a week
- Please encourage conversations in community groups and with friends and family; people can apply to the DWP by phone on the national Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234
Or print out and fill in the claim form: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-claim-form--2
All of these details of support available have also been circulated through our Boston Wellbeing and Community Leadership networks.
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please contact communitysupport@e-lindsey.gov.uk
Please see the following poster for more informaiton - A guide to Pension Credit
How to check eligibilty for Pension Credit - Applying for Pension Credit