5 reasons to check Pension Credit eligibility by the 21st of December

Changes to the Winter Fuel Payment criteria were announced earlier this year, meaning only those on Pension Credit would now receive the one-off payment. It's believed 850,000 pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit - could it be you or your loved one? Here's 5 reasons to check if you're entitled to extra money in your pocket:  

1. To claim this year's Winter Fuel Payment

   With many pensioners now losing their Winter Fuel Payment towards energy costs, it's more important than ever to check your eligibility. To get the 2024 Winter Fuel Payment, you must be entitled to Pension Credit in the qualifying week during September 2024. We can check whether you were entitled to Pension Credit in the qualifying week and help you to make a backdated claim. Backdated claims can be made up to 21st of December in order to qualify for a Winter Fuel payment this winter.  

   
   

   If you miss the 21st of December, you can still check your eligibility for Pension Credit for extra money in your pocket and qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment 2025.

2. Gain access to additional support

Pension Credit is known as a 'passported benefit' as it gives you access to other means of support simply by claiming the benefit. This includes:

• Free NHS dental treatment and glasses

• Housing Benefit

• Council Tax Support

  
  

If you're over 75, you'll also get a free tv license.

3. Even if you have savings you could be eligible

   If you have savings of £10,000 and under, this will not affect the amount of Pension Credit you could get. Unlike other means-tested benefits (e.g. Housing Benefit) you are not automatically ruled out of qualifying for Pension Credit if you have savings of over £16,000. It is easier to qualify for Pension Credit even if you have savings over this amount because there is no upper limit for Pension Credit. 

   
   

   Instead, a tariff income applies to any savings or investments you have over £10,000. This will affect the amount of Pension Credit you get paid , as you’ll be treated as having £1 per week of income for every £500 above £10,000 in savings that you have. This means you can still get Pension Credit, despite having savings.  

4. It's quick and easy to check

   Using the Pension Credit calculator on the government website, you can answer a few questions to check your eligibility. If you are eligible and want to apply straight away, you can do this over the phone, online or via the post.

5. We're here to help you

   In Liverpool, we have a dedicated service for those aged 65 and over to maximise income. We can advise on types of financial support that are available, including benefits like Pension Credit. If you've had a Pension Credit application declined, we can also support you through the appeal stages if you wish to have your application reconsidered

   
   

   You can contact the team for free, confidential and impartial advice on:

If you're from the wider Merseyside area, you can use this local service search tool to find the contact details of your local Citizens Advice.