Pension Credit Awareness and Information

This blog post is to remind people of State Pension age (66+) who are not receiving certain benefits* that they should check their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit, as they could qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment and other support, such as help with housing costs, Council Tax and/or a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over. 

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months – so long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024. 

Did you know that additional to the Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Credit also provides extra support for heating costs such as The Warm Home Discount Scheme(link is external) and Cold Weather Payments? 

Could you connect with someone to raise awareness of Pension Credit? 

• It is estimated that up to 880,000 households are missing out on Pension Credit, and it is worth, on average, £3,900 per year, providing additional benefits such as help with Council Tax and Housing Benefit and a free TV licence for those over 75. 
• Raising awareness of Pension Credit could make a difference to an older person’s life: www.gov.uk/pension-credit.

*Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Tax Credits. Eligibility criteria apply.