Benefit checker

Pension Credit

There are two parts to Pension Credit.

• Guarantee Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount decided by the government – usually £173.75 for single people or £265.20 for couples, although it can be higher than this if you have certain extra costs. 
• Savings Pension Credit is an extra payment if you’re over 65 and have saved some money towards retirement. You can’t make a new claim for Savings Credit if you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 and you’re a single person. However, if you’re already receiving it, you’ll continue to get it. If you’re a couple and one of you reached State Pension age by 6 April 2016, you might still be able to claim.

It’s worth claiming even a small amount of Guarantee Pension Credit because it unlocks other benefits that may mean more than £200 extra a week depending on your circumstances. For example, you may get help with your rent and Council Tax, or be eligible for extra money if you’re disabled, a carer or a homeowner with mortgage costs.

Winter Fuel Payment

If you've reached State Pension age, you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 in winter 2019/2020. How much you get depends on your age and circumstances. You only need to claim once – after that, you should get it automatically every year.

Attendance Allowance

You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance (AA) if you’re over State Pension age, have a long-term illness or disability, and need help with personal care such as washing, dressing or eating, or help to keep you safe. Eligibility for AA isn’t based on your income or savings, just your level of care needs.

If you qualify, AA is worth up to £59.70 a week at the lower rate (if you need help in the day or at night) and £89.15 at the higher rate (if you need help both day and night). If you get Attendance Allowance, you may also become entitled to other benefits such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit, or an increase in these benefits.

Even if your claim is initially turned down, it may succeed on appeal, so don’t give up. Call us or another advice agency for help if you’re turned down for AA.

Personal Independence Payment

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people under State Pension age with a long-term illness or disability who need help with daily activities or getting around. How much you get depends on how your condition affects you, but you could get between £23.60 and £151.40 a week. If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility part of PIP, you can get help with leasing a car, scooter or electric wheelchair.

Once you reach State Pension age, you can carry on getting PIP for as long as you’re eligible.

Local welfare assistance schemes and the Social Fund

If you’re living on a low income, it can be hard to meet the cost of unplanned expenses such as a broken-down washing machine, home repairs or a funeral. The good news is that you may be eligible for a one-off grant, loan or other type of help from your council or the Social Fund, depending on your income or what benefits you claim.

Grants from charities for people on a low income

Even if you can’t claim anything from your local council or the DWP, there may be a charity that can help. You may be eligible for a one-off grant or small regular payments.

Social care support

If you could do with some help with personal care tasks such as washing, dressing and eating, contact your local council and ask for a free care needs assessment. An assessor will visit to discuss the type of help you need, which could be home adaptations or visits from a carer. If you qualify for help, you may need to contribute towards the costs depending on your income and savings.

Carer's Allowance

If you’re a carer, you may be entitled to a benefit called Carer’s Allowance. You may qualify if you spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.