Benefits - Pensioners
For all customers aged 60 or over, claims for Housing and Council Tax Benefit will be treated as if the claim was submitted up to 52 weeks earlier. For example, a claim that was submitted on 7th April 2008 would start from 9th April 2007. To qualify, you or your partner:
- must be 60 or over
- must be liable to pay rent and/or Council Tax
- were entitled to Housing and Council Tax Benefit based on your income and savings at the time (please contact the Benefits Office for more details.)
Pension Credits
There are now two benefits available for pensioners. Pension Credit is made up of two parts – a Guaranteed Credit if you are 60 or over which tops up your income to a guaranteed level, and a Savings Credit if you are 65 and over and have certain types of income or capital. You can claim either one or both parts of the Pension Credit depending on your individual circumstances.
To apply for Pension Credit, please telephone 0800 99 1234. The lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
If you get Guaranteed Credit you will automatically get maximum benefit, providing you make a claim for Housing and Council Tax Benefit. If you only receive Savings Credit only we will take this into account in your claim.