Are you over State Pension age, or know someone who is?
Over 1.4 million pensioners in Britain already receive Pension Credit but there are still many people who have not claimed. We are encouraging anyone who may be eligible to find out and make a claim.
Pension Credit helps people of State Pension age on low income with their living costs. If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings.
People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get:
- help with housing costs and Council Tax
- Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating
- free TV Licence if 75 or over
- help with cost of NHS services, such as dental treatment, glasses and travel for hospital appointments
- free sight tests and vouchers towards glasses
- cold weather payments towards your heating bill
- Warm Homes Discount - money off your electricity bill
- extra cost of living payments.
You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. The average Pension Credit award is £3,500 per year. It does not affect any other benefits you may receive and could open the door to other support.
Check your entitlement to Pension Credit
Use the Pension Credit calculator on the GOV.UK website, to find out how much Pension Credit you could get, without giving any personal details.
This video explains how the calculator works.
The Independent Age charity also has this short video to help you claim.
Claim Pension Credit
You can apply for Pension Credit online using the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit Claim Line on 0800 99 1234.
Help locally
Citizens Advice – Chorley
For more help and advice on Winter Fuel Payments, Pension Credit, or any other benefit related queries, feel free to contact Citizens Advice. They can support you through every step.
Reach out today for tailored guidance on your entitlement and how to make a claim.
Visit the Citizens Advice website. Alternatively you can call them on 0808 278 7880.
A drop-in service is now available each Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am till 2pm.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
CAP offer free benefit checks, debt advice and budgeting support.
Drop-in on a Wednesday at St Laurence’s Church on Union Street at 1pm till 2pm.
They also delivery CAP life skills or CAP money coaching courses.
Contact Rachel Gilkes,CAP Debt Centre Manager on 07745334027.
Age UK Lancashire - Information and Advice
This service is available for people who are over 65 and of the state pension age or above.
The service is free of charge and can help you with a range of issues which may be about claiming benefits, housing, health and care issues or local services. You may be facing a crisis, or just considering your options.
The aim is to provide the information and advice that you need for the issues that you face.
The Age Uk Lancashire telephone information and advice service operates 9am till 5pm. They will ask you some questions to assess your needs and arrange to call you back at a mutually convenient time.
This advice line is delivered by highly trained staff to guide you through queries about welfare benefits, community or social care, housing options and local services and support. They have access to detailed, up to date information and if you struggle to get out or prefer a telephone conversation this is ideal for you.
View more information on the Age UK website. Alternatively, you can email advice@ageuklancs.org.uk or call them on 03003 031234.
Lancashire County Council – Welfare Rights Services
This offers you further information about the benefits and reductions which may be available to you. If you need further help, you can contact them using details below. Please note they cannot deal with non-benefit matters on this number, including queries about LCC occupational pensions.
If no one is available to take your call straight away, you can leave a message, and they will get back to you within 5 working days. Please note this is only for enquiries from people over pension age.
View more information on the Lancashire County Council website.
You can complete a welfare rights referral form or call them on 01772 53332.
Additional help and support
Are you affected by the announcement of no longer being eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment or experiencing financial hardship. View more information on cost of living support for information on help towards cost of living expenses and wider support.