THERE is still time for older couples to apply for pension credit before changes come into force in three months' time, Brenda Kearns, head of advice & advocacy at Age NI, has said.
“Pension credit is an income-related benefit to give you some extra money in retirement. If you’re on a low income or struggling to make ends meet, claiming pension credit could help. It comes in two parts and you may be eligible for one or both parts," she said.
“New changes to who can claim pension credit will be introduced on May 15 in Northern Ireland. Before then, when a couple makes a claim, only one of them of must have reached pension age. However, after May 15, in all new claims, both members of the couple will have to reach pension age before a claim can be made.
"This could have a huge impact on older couples, with some of the poorest pensioners paying a hefty price for having a younger partner."
She added: “The important thing is that up until May 15, mixed aged couples can still apply for pension credit, and if they qualify they will remain on it. After that, they will have to claim universal credit instead which has stricter qualifying rules."
Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for pension credit is advised to contact Age NI for a free benefits check.
The charity offers free, independent and confidential advice on a range of issues, including benefits. Call 0808 808 7575 or for more information visit ageni.org.
Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year by older people
EVERY year, millions of pounds in benefits intended for people on low incomes, including pension credit and housing benefit, are unclaimed by older people in Northern Ireland.
Age NI’s advice & advocacy service offers free, independent and confidential advice to older people, their families and carers on a range of issues including money, health and housing care.
Last year, the charity helped thousands of older people put more money in their pockets by identifying over £1.8 million in unclaimed benefits.
Mythbusting
Some people miss out on benefits because they mistakenly believe they don’t qualify or are put off by the claims process. Do any of these apply to you?
'My income’s too high’
The income and savings limit on some benefits may be higher than you think, while others such as attendance allowance don’t consider your income at all.
‘I own my own home, so I won’t get anything’
Owning your own home doesn’t rule you out. Many older homeowners make a successful claim for pension credit, for instance.
‘I can get by without it’
You’ve paid into the tax system all your life. Now it’s time to get something back. Think about what support and equipment might help you carry on living independently at home.
‘It’s too difficult to make a claim’
For some benefits, such as pension credit, it only takes one phone call and you won’t have to fill in a form. And if there is a form, ask Age NI if they can help you fill it in.
‘I don’t want a carer coming in’
Claiming attendance allowance doesn’t mean you have to pay for a carer. The money can be spent in any way you choose.
‘I’ve already been told I don’t qualify’
Benefits rates change every year, as can your finances, so it’s worth getting advice.
Advice on claiming pension credit
Q: I’m concerned about money this winter and my daughter mentioned pension credit. What is it and how do I claim it?
A: There are two parts to pension credit – guarantee pension credit and savings credit. Savings credit is only available if you reached state pension age on or after April 6 2016. You must be above state pension age to receive either of these parts. Guarantee credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level set by the government - currently £163 for a single person or £248.80 for a couple. It’s worth claiming pension credit even if you’re only entitled to a small amount as it can help you qualify for other benefits such as housing benefit.
• The qualifying age for pension credit is gradually going up to 66 in line with the increase in state pension age for women to 65 and a further increase to 66 for men and women.
• If you live with a partner, you will be assessed as a couple. On January 14 2019 the government announced changes to claiming pension credit for mixed age couples - where one member of the couple is below state pension age - which will be introduced from May 15 2019. Under the changes mixed aged couples will no longer be entitled to put in a new claim for pension credit until both partners have reached state pension age. They will have to claim universal credit instead.
• There is no savings limit for guarantee credit, but if you have over £10,000 it will affect the amount you receive.
• All these amounts could be much higher if you have a severe disability or are a carer.
