Latest news with #PensionCredit
Scotsman
15 hours ago
- Business
- Scotsman
How to claim Pension Credit in 2025
Struggling with bills this winter? What over-65s need to know about boosting support in 2025 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Pension Credit can top up low retirement incomes It includes Guarantee Credit (income top-up) and Savings Credit (for older pensioners with savings) You must be over State Pension age and meet income/savings criteria to qualify In 2025–26, Winter Fuel Payment eligibility returns to all pensioners, not just Pension Credit claimants Most payments are automatic, but it's crucial to apply early to ensure full entitlement If you're over 65 and living in England or Wales, claiming Pension Credit in 2025 can unlock significant financial support, including the Winter Fuel Payment. Pension Credit is a means‑tested benefit designed to top up your weekly income if you're on a low income in retirement. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It has two parts. Guarantee Credit, which ensures you have at least a minimum weekly income (about £218 for a single person or £333 for a couple in 2024/25), and Savings Credit, a supplement for people who reached State Pension age before April 2016 and had modest savings or private pensions. Applying for Pension Credit not only boosts your income, it also unlocks additional benefits including housing support, council tax relief, free TV licences, and NHS cost aids. (Photo: Contributed) | Contributed One of the current Labour government's biggest controversies came when it announced the once universal Winter Fuel Payment would be made available only to those claiming Pension Credit. But this has since been reversed, and in 2025–26, eligibility has been restored for all pensioners, not just Pension Credit claimants. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who can apply? To claim Pension Credit, you must be at State Pension age. This is currently 66 in the, though the minimum age increases again in 2026. Your income and savings must also fall within the thresholds, although there are allowances - e.g. savings under £10,000 won't count, and above that, £500 extra savings adds £1/week to your income calculation. If you need assistance or have questions about your eligibility, consider contacting organisations such as Age UK or Citizens Advice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You can apply up to four months before reaching state pension age, or at any time after - but benefit can only be backdated by a maximum of three months. How much will I get? The amount you receive through Pension Credit depends on your individual circumstances, including your age, income, savings, and whether you have a partner. The Guarantee Credit part ensures that your weekly income reaches a minimum level. Currently, the standard weekly amounts are £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple. Savings Credit is an additional amount for individuals who have some savings or a second pension. It is available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad You'll get up to £17.30 Savings Credit a week if you're single. If you have a partner, you'll get up to £19.36 a week. The actual amount you receive depends on your income and savings. You may be eligible for extra amounts if you have a severe disability, are a carer, or are responsible for a child or qualifying young person. To determine your exact entitlement, you can use the Pension Credit calculator on the website. This tool considers your specific circumstances to provide an estimate of your potential Pension Credit. When will I get paid? Most payments are automatic, especially if you're on qualifying benefits. A letter arrives in October or November, with payments typically landing in November–December 2025. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad If you do not receive the payment automatically by January 2026, you should make a claim by 31 March 2026, either by phone or post. Will I get the Winter Fuel Payment? A major controversy for the current Labour government arose when it announced that the previously universal Winter Fuel Payment would be limited only to those receiving Pension Credit. But this decision has now been overturned, and for 2025–26, the payment will once again be available to all pensioners, not just Pension Credit claimants.
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Full list of freebies and discounts for grandparents worth £7,722 including free bus pass and cinema tickets
Scroll to see what you could be claiming for free HELPING HAND Full list of freebies and discounts for grandparents worth £7,722 including free bus pass and cinema tickets Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of grandparents could be pocketing freebies and discounts worth an impressive £7,722. From free passports and cinema tickets, to extra support from health services, there is plenty of support available when you are at an age where you have grandchildren. 1 Grandparents can get thousands of pounds worth of freebies Credit: Getty Images - Getty National insurance exemption, £1,851 When you are at state pension age, you no longer need to pay National Insurance (NI). The exact amount you save depends on the amount of money you earn. An employee earning £40,000, for example, would pay £2,94 in National Insurance contributions over a year while someone earning £20,000 only has to pay £594. The average weekly wage in the UK is £687, then the average grandparent over 60 stands to save £1,851.20 through NI exemptions. Discounted travel, £1,084 Over 60s can get discounted travel which helps to save on everyday costs. In England, pensioners are given a free bus pass. In Wales and Scotland, there are free bus passes are also given to over 60s. Transport for London also offers residents in the capital an Older Person's Freedom Pass and the 60+ Oyster card, which gives you free travel on any TfL service from Monday to Friday. Since bus prices vary across the UK, so does the amount you stand to save but an annual bus pass in London costs £988. Meanwhile, a senior railcard saves you can average of £96 annually and costs just £30. When combining the railcard and bus pass savings, pensioners could save a massive £1,084. Free eye test, £25 Anyone over the age of 60 is entitled to a free eye test, every two years. All you need to do is book your appointment as normal and tell members of staff you are eligible for a free test. Over 60s can save £25, while ensuring that they have good eye health. Pension credit, £3,900 Pension Credit tops up the income of people on the state pension who need it. You'll only qualify if your income is below a certain threshold. However, for those who claim the help is worth an average £3,900 a year. And it's not just the extra income that comes in handy, those on Pension Credit can then unlock further freebies and discounts. Crucial to claim Pension Credit if you can HUNDREDS of thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit. The Sun's Assistant Consumer Editor Lana Clements explains why it's imperative to apply for the benefit.. Pension Credit is designed to top up the income of the UK's poorest pensioners. In itself the payment is a vital lifeline for older people with little income. It will take weekly income up to to £218.15 if you're single or joint income to £332.95. Yet, an estimated 800,000 don't claim this support. Not only are they missing on this cash, but far more extra support that is unlocked when claiming Pension Credit. With the winter fuel payment - worth up to £300 now being restricted to pensioners claiming Pension Credit - it's more important than ever to claim the benefit if you can. Pension Credit also opens up help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills and even a free TV licence if you are 75 or older. All this extra support can make a huge difference to the quality of life for a struggling pensioner. It's not difficult to apply for Pension Credit, you can do it up to four months before you reach state pension age through the government website or by calling 0800 99 1234. You'll just need your National Insurance number, as well as information about income, savings and investments. Free TV licence, £174.50 Anyone who wants to watch the BBC, including its television channels, radio stations, iPlayer service and its news services needs to have a TV licence. This is because the BBC is a publicly-owned broadcaster. Most people need to pay but anyone over the age of 75 - who also claims Pension credit - can have the charge waived. This could save you £174.50 a year. Discounted broadband, £142.92 People who claim their Pension Credit can often qualify for cheaper broadband. The cheapest plans available to pensioners cost just £14.99 a month, compared to the huge average cost of £26.90. Over the span of a year, this means you stand to save £142.92. Discounted water bills, £400 Social tariffs are available to those on low incomes to help them save on their water bills. Providers offer different discounted rates, with some giving you money off the regular plan and others offering a lower cost service. Bills under social tariffs for water are often no more than £200 a year, with the average water bill at more than £600, you stand to save £400. Get in touch with your water provider for more information. Free NHS dental treatment, £26.50 Anyone who claims Pension Credit is entitled to free NHS dental care. Make sure to phone your dentist before hand to check whether you are eligible. If you are, you could save £26.50 for a routine check up. Some dental work, such as dentures, cost up to £3.19 though - meaning you could save hundreds. Free passports, £94.50 Passports are offered for free by the Home Office to anyone born before September 2, 1929. Although that means most people who are eligible for the discount are in their late 90s, it still allows Brits the chance to save £94.50. Using the fast track service will still incur a charge though so give it plenty of time if you need to renew. Discounted days out, £24 People of an older age are often able to claim special discounts which can help them save money on days out. Also, you can even save on Interrail passes - which let you travel around Europe for free - by getting 10 per cent off. Also you can get cheap cinema tickets. Empire has special Senior screenings for over-60s every Wednesday morning and tickets cost £4.50. Odeon also holds weekly Silver Cinema screenings for over-60s with ticket prices starting at £3.50. Both cinemas also provide free refreshments too. Plus, Vue cinemas senior screenings are discounted for over 60s and include a cup of tea and a biscuit. Showcase offers senior admission every Monday to any standard film starting before 12pm and it costs £5. You can find your nearest branches using the locator tool on the website. Existing National Trust members aged 60 who have been a member for the last three years or more can get 25% off the price. This means that you'll pay £72 for individual senior annual membership instead of £96 for an adult membership, saving £24.
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Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Free Nationwide tool finds which benefits you can claim
This simple tool could show you're missing out on free support if you're struggling with rising costs 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Over 15,000 people have used Nationwide's new benefits checker since its June 26 launch The free tool is open to everyone, not just Nationwide customers It offers a quick eligibility check followed by a full calculator for detailed results Many miss out on benefits without realising – this tool helps bridge that gap Access is available via Nationwide's website, app, or a dedicated phone line Thousands of people are using a new service from Nationwide Building Society designed to help them check whether they're missing out on benefits they're entitled to – and it's open to everyone, not just customers. Launched on June 26, the free benefits calculator has already attracted more than 15,000 users in its first month, with more than 4,000 going on to complete the full check. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The tool, developed in partnership with analytics firm Policy in Practice, is part of a growing movement to help people better understand the support available to them during the ongoing cost of living crisis. It provides a personalised estimate of what you could be claiming – and where you might be missing out. Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year, often because people don't realise they're eligible. This service aims to bridge that gap. (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability and accessibility, said: 'By offering the choice of an online process and a telephone call, we are hopefully making what can be a daunting and confusing experience that little bit simpler.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether you're on a low income, have children, are in part-time work, or simply want to make sure you're not missing out, the calculator could be a useful first step. How it works Nationwide's service offers two steps. The process begins with the quick check, which takes just a few minutes and gives a rough idea of whether you might qualify for benefits such as Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit. If it looks like you could be eligible, you can then move on to the more comprehensive calculator, which will ask for extra details like your income, housing situation and family set-up to give a fuller picture. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who should check? Many people assume they don't qualify for support, but benefits often extend beyond those who are unemployed. Those in low-paid work, carers, people with health issues or disabilities, and pensioners are frequently eligible for help without realising it. You might benefit from using the tool if: You're struggling with rising costs You've had a change in circumstances (job loss, relationship breakdown, new child, etc.) You're caring for someone You're not sure if you qualify for help like Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit Even if you've checked before, it's worth reviewing your eligibility again as rules and thresholds change. How to access the tool You can access the tool in several ways: Via Nationwide's website Through the building society's mobile app Or by calling its dedicated helpline (standard call rates apply, but a free callback can be requested) Crucially, you don't need to be a Nationwide customer to use the service. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Complete list of benefits eligible for £150 winter support
The Warm Home Discount scheme is set to expand this year, with around six million households benefitting from a £150 discount towards their energy bills This year, millions of households could be in line for a £150 discount on their energy bills, including those on a low income. The government had previously confirmed that it would expand the Warm Home Discount scheme after tight restrictions were implemented last year. It is now estimated that around six million households will benefit from the discount, with an additional 2.7 million included from the expansion this year. Despite the expansion, many people will need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for the discount. Fortunately, many people on low income who are also claiming benefits could receive the discount on their bills. Who is eligible for the discount? In the past, the criteria for the Warm Home Discount in England and Wales were confined to those receiving the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, individuals facing high energy costs, or recipients of certain means-tested benefits. This made the eligibility criteria restrictive for many customers who did not claim any qualifying benefits but were still struggling to pay for their energy. However, the Government has since confirmed that it will remove the threshold, if a means-tested benefit recipient is named on the energy bill. While the discount is given automatically to Pension Credit claimants, those who qualify by other means may need to apply for the discount through their energy supplier. This is possible provided the energy supplier participates in the scheme and either the claimant or their partner is in receipt of certain means-tested benefits or tax credits. Full list of benefits eligible for Warm Home Discount According to official guidance, the following means tested benefits could make you eligible for the Warm Home Discount: income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income Support Universal Credit Housing Benefit income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) the 'Savings Credit' part of Pension Credit Child Tax Credit Working Tax Credit Keep in mind that the discount will be applied to your bill and is not a cash payment. All the energy suppliers taking part in the scheme According to the government website, the following 27 suppliers are signed up to the Warm Home Discount scheme: Scottish Gas – see British Gas 100Green (formerly Green Energy UK or GEUK) Bulb Energy – see Octopus Energy Outfox the Market E – also known as E (Gas and Electricity) Octopus Energy Good Energy Affect Energy – see Octopus Energy Tomato Energy Utility Warehouse OVO Next ScottishPower EDF Utilita London Power British Gas TruEnergy Ecotricity Fuse Energy Sainsbury's Energy Rebel Energy Boost So Energy Co-op Energy – see Octopus Energy Shell Energy Retail Home Energy
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Scotsman
2 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Free Nationwide tool finds which benefits you can claim
This simple tool could show you're missing out on free support if you're struggling with rising costs 🧾 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Over 15,000 people have used Nationwide's new benefits checker since its June 26 launch The free tool is open to everyone, not just Nationwide customers It offers a quick eligibility check followed by a full calculator for detailed results Many miss out on benefits without realising – this tool helps bridge that gap Access is available via Nationwide's website, app, or a dedicated phone line Thousands of people are using a new service from Nationwide Building Society designed to help them check whether they're missing out on benefits they're entitled to – and it's open to everyone, not just customers. Launched on June 26, the free benefits calculator has already attracted more than 15,000 users in its first month, with more than 4,000 going on to complete the full check. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The tool, developed in partnership with analytics firm Policy in Practice, is part of a growing movement to help people better understand the support available to them during the ongoing cost of living crisis. It provides a personalised estimate of what you could be claiming – and where you might be missing out. Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year, often because people don't realise they're eligible. This service aims to bridge that gap. (Photo: SUSANNAH IRELAND/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability and accessibility, said: 'By offering the choice of an online process and a telephone call, we are hopefully making what can be a daunting and confusing experience that little bit simpler.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Whether you're on a low income, have children, are in part-time work, or simply want to make sure you're not missing out, the calculator could be a useful first step. How it works Nationwide's service offers two steps. The process begins with the quick check, which takes just a few minutes and gives a rough idea of whether you might qualify for benefits such as Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit. If it looks like you could be eligible, you can then move on to the more comprehensive calculator, which will ask for extra details like your income, housing situation and family set-up to give a fuller picture. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who should check? Many people assume they don't qualify for support, but benefits often extend beyond those who are unemployed. Those in low-paid work, carers, people with health issues or disabilities, and pensioners are frequently eligible for help without realising it. You might benefit from using the tool if: You're struggling with rising costs You've had a change in circumstances (job loss, relationship breakdown, new child, etc.) You're caring for someone You're not sure if you qualify for help like Universal Credit, Council Tax support or Pension Credit Even if you've checked before, it's worth reviewing your eligibility again as rules and thresholds change. How to access the tool You can access the tool in several ways: Via Nationwide's website Through the building society's mobile app Or by calling its dedicated helpline (standard call rates apply, but a free callback can be requested) Crucially, you don't need to be a Nationwide customer to use the service. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
