The Department for Work and Pensions updated income levels for the 2023/24 financial year in April to show that if you are over 65 and reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, you may still qualify for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than £240.90 if you are single or £351.45 if you are part of a couple.
Older people - or friends and family - can quickly check their 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 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
A Pension Credit award of just a few pence is enough to qualify for the remaining means-tested cost of living payments worth £300 and £299 . Pensioners eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, born before September 25, 1957, will also qualify for the £300 pensioner cost of living payment. Pension Credit tops up a person's income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples or more if a person has a disability or caring responsibilities.
Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a ‘mixed age couple’ - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a ‘working age’ couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. There’s also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim.Latest State Pension News How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.