News Check whether you, or someone you know, is eligible for Pension Credit

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is asking residents to check whether they, or someone they know is eligible for Pension Credit.

Pension Credit gives extra money to help with living costs if someone is over State Pension age and on a low income and it can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

Some people may think they are not entitled to Pension Credit as they have savings or own their home, however the council is encouraging people to take the time to check.

Cllr Kathy Cox, Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources at MBC said:

“Our Welfare Officer recently helped a disabled couple, who look after a family member under 18 years old, to apply for Pension Credit. They were helped to call and found they are entitled to a huge £188.93 per week due to their disability and looking after a young person.

“We would like to encourage everyone to check whether they are eligible as it is estimated that there are around 18,000 households in Kent that are eligible and not claiming. So, if there is someone you know who you think could be entitled to this, please support and guide them to find out whether they can apply.”

The government has announced that it will cut winter fuel payments to around 10 million pensioners in the UK, with only those eligible for Pension Credit continuing to get support with winter fuel costs.

Kathy continues:

“In another case a single disabled lady had the help of the Welfare Officer to get an entitlement of £3.58 per week. An entitlement of £186.16 per year does not seem much, however it is the access this gives to other extra benefits which is so very important. This lady will now get her winter fuel payment and extra help with glasses and dentistry.

“We believe there could be hundreds of Maidstone residents missing out on extra money and the discounts they provide. Put a claim in now before 21 December so you qualify for the winter payment. Spread the word, if you know someone who might be eligible, please help them with their application. You could make a huge difference to their life.”

Other benefits and help available that can be accessed if someone gets Pension Credit, such as:

• Housing Benefit if someone rents the property they live in
• Winter Fuel Payment
• Support for Mortgage Interest if someone owns the property they live in
• Reduction in Council Tax
• A free TV licence if someone is aged 75 or over
• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if someone gets a certain type of Pension Credit
• Help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
• A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if someone is moving house

The average household could get around £186 per month, which is a significant amount if someone is eligible and hasn’t applied.

To be eligible for Pension Credit they need to:

Live in the UK

Be over State Pension age

Have a weekly income below £218.15 if single, or £332.95 if part of a couple.

For more information on the scheme or to check eligibility go to the Government website GOV.UK and use the Pension Credit Calculator.

Anyone experiencing problems in accessing or completing the eligibility forms the MBC Welfare Team is on hand to help via email:   welfare.team@midkent.gov.uk

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