MARTIN Lewis has issued a one month warning to every Brit over 66 to get £3,500 free cash PLUS a £300 winter boost.
Pension Credit is a tax-free benefit designed to help with living costs if you are over state pension age and on a low income.
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But nearly a million eligible people are missing out on it, according to latest Government figures.
That equates to £1.7billion worth of the benefit going unclaimed.
Speaking during his Martin Lewis Money Show Live broadcast on ITV this evening, he urged households to check.
Martin explained how if you backdate a Pension Credit claim by December 10, you could be eligible for the cash.
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He said: “There are 900,000 eligible pensioners out there who should be getting Pension Credit but aren’t.
“It could be worth £3,000 a year and it’s a gateway to benefits like this.
“If you’re a single pensioner with a total income of under £220 a week, or a pensioner couple – both of state pension age – with an income of under £320 a week, go online to the Pension Credit calculator and see if you’re eligible.
“Call up the Pension Credit hotline. I am not saying you’re [definitely] eligible, it is complicated why I came up with those numbers – most people earning that amount won’t get it, but some will.
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“But that’s the point you should check.”
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is available to anyone over the state pension age, currently 66, living in England, Scotland or Wales.
But you also have to be on a low income to qualify.
You need to have a weekly income of less than £201.05 if you are single and £306.85 if you are part of a couple.
Your income is calculated based on various elements, including:
- your state pension entitlement
- any other pensions (such as private pensions) you have saved
- any social security benefits you receive, such as carer’s allowance
- any savings or investments you have worth over £10,000
- earnings from a job
How much can you get?
There are two parts to the benefit and pensioners can be eligible for one or both parts.
- Guarantee credit – this tops up your weekly income to a minimum level of £201.05 a week for singletons and £306.85 for married couples.
- Savings credit – this provides extra money if you’ve saved any towards retirement. You get an extra £15.94 a week for a single person or £17.84 a week for a married couple.
You may also get extra Pension Credit if you have a disability, caring responsibilities or have to pay certain housing costs such as mortgage interest payments.
One major perk of the benefit is that you can get other freebies off of the back of it.
This includes council tax discounts, cost of living payments and a free TV licence, if you’re 75 or older.
The Sun spoke to one woman who is £10,000 better off after claiming the benefit.
How to apply
You can start your application up to four months before you reach state pension age and via the Government’s website.
You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you’ll need to be with them when they do.
Make sure you have the following information on you before applying:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
- your bank, building society or credit union account details
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You can get help applying through charities and non-profit organisations such as Independent Age.
Upon successfully applying, the benefit is usually paid into your bank account every four weeks.
