We are encouraging all people who are of pensionable age to apply for Pension Credit.
This is a means-tested top-up benefit, so entitlement is affected by your savings and weekly income. But lots of people who think they are not entitled can often be surprised to find that they can get help.
Although savings affect entitlement, the first £10,000 of any savings don’t count, and even if you have more than that you may still qualify. If you own your own home, you can still claim.
And you may be entitled to extra Pension Credit if:
- you are responsible for children or young people
- you are disabled (and getting a benefit such as PIP or Attendance Allowance)
- you are a carer for someone who is disabled
- you are both disabled and a carer
If you qualify for even a small amount of Pension Credit, it could be ‘the penny that means pounds’, because Pension Credit opens the door to lots of other help:
- access to the Winter Fuel Payment
- reductions in electricity bills
- free TV licence for those over 75
- help with housing costs through Housing Benefit
- entitlement to the highest level of Council Tax Reduction
You can get help to make a claim for Pension Credit right away – and remember to act before 21 December 2024 to gain a Winter Fuel Allowance. You can use the GOV.UK (opens in a new window) pension credit calculator to see if you are eligible or visit GOV.UK (opens in a new window) or contact Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre on 01246 231441 to claim.
To also help assist residents with their claim, Citizens Advice will be attending each of our contact centres on the following days and times to provide advice and assistance:
- Bolsover Contact Centre – Tuesday 5 November from 9.30am to 11.30am
- Shirebrook Contact Centre – Wednesday 6 November from 9.30am to 11.30am
- Clowne Contact Centre – Thursday 7 November from 9.30am to 11.30am
- South Normanton Contact Centre – Friday 8 November from 9.30am to 11.30am
