Increase your weekly income with Pension Credit and Pensions
Pension Credit
Since October 2003 there is more cash help available for older people - Pension Credit. 10,000 more people in Manchester can qualify for Pension Credit than could have got similar benefits in the past. You may well qualify for it even if you have savings and/or a modest second pensions and/or higher state pensions. Savings are treated more generously than before. Savings under £6,000 are ignored altogether. There is no longer a level of savings that stops people applying. Get advice to find out if you are entitled.
If you get Pension Credit you can also claim:
- Free dental treatment and help with hospital fares (Health Benefits).
- Community Care Grants from the Social Fund for essential household items to enable you to live independently if you are disabled or are in poor health. But these payments are discretionary - get advice.
- Loans from the Social Fund - to help you budget for various items. These are discretionary and you have to pay them back each week.
Pensions
You may be entitled to a State Retirement Pension, an additional pension, or a private or occupational pension. You may also receive a War Disablement Pension or a pension from overseas. You can get advice about tracing any missing pensions, delaying retiring, or using the national insurance record of your spouse or ex-spouse.
You can get your State Retirement Pension abroad - it is increased each April if you live in some countries, but not others.
If you paid full-rate social insurance contributions in the Republic of Ireland before 1953 and you do not qualify for a standard Irish pension, you may qualify for a special Old Age Contributory Pension from Ireland. Get advice.
Note: You may also get Child Tax Credit if you have a dependent child aged under 20 - get advice.
If you have recently come to live in the UK from abroad, please get advice about whether you are entitled to particular benefits.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email or book an appointment with the Online Adviser.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
September 2005
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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