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Daily Record
an hour ago
- Health
- Daily Record
How to speed up Adult Disability Payment award decision for a new claim
New figures from Social Security Scotland show that there are now 476,295 people in receipt of Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The data also shows that the average time to process a new claim for ADP is now 37 working days, just under eight weeks. This means people making a new claim before the end of this month could have an award decision before the end of August, although it's important to be aware that some applications can take shorter or longer to process. Many people thinking about making a new claim may not be aware that there are two parts to the ADP application process and that if you complete part two (the condition questionnaire) within eight weeks of the date you submitted part one (personal details, GP details, etc) and your claim is successful, payments will be backdated to that date. It's important to be aware that ADP is paid four weeks in arrears and that failing to submit the claim within the eight-week period may result in a different date of entitlement. Guidance from Social Security Scotland explains: 'An individual can begin an application either by phone or online. This is Part 1 of the application process. 'Once they have started, the individual has 8 weeks to return the completed Part 2 of the application in order to ensure their entitlement to Adult Disability Payment begins on the date they completed Part 1. 'If an application is submitted after the 8 week period, the date of their entitlement may be later, depending on whether they have good reason for having submitted it late e.g. they have been in hospital.' A successful new claim for the devolved payment is worth the same amount as its DWP counterpart, Personal Independence Payment (PIP). This means people over the age of 16 with a disability, long-term illness or physical or mental health condition could receive between £29.20 and £187.45 each week - paid every four weeks. ADP and PIP weekly payment rates Daily Living Component Standard rate: £73.90 Enhanced rate: £110.40 Mobility Component Standard rate: £29.20 Enhanced rate: £77.05 Scotland's welfare system is encouraging people to check for supporting information to include with their claim, which can help speed up the decision-making process. Social Security Scotland said: 'We need supporting information to help make the right decisions as quickly as we can on disability benefit applications. While we can source this information for clients, our research has found some people may have supporting information to hand but do not realise it. 'This might be because they don't know what is useful to us or that supporting information can come from a range of professionals.' It added, as an example, that if someone regularly sees a counsellor, physical therapist or support worker, they could be a better source of supporting information than a GP they may not have contacted for some time. Examples of supporting information include: care plans prescription lists a child's additional support needs plan letters from a local authority outlining housing adaptations letters or a report from HR explaining workplace adjustments letters from teachers explaining what support the child needs at school referral letters to specialists (e.g. CAMHS) Part two of the ADP application form asks about: your condition and how it affects your ability to look after yourself, understand information, and communicate with other people what help and support you need and why how you move around outdoors any medication, treatment or equipment you need Official guidance on explains other information which could help support your answers in part two includes: information about your condition or your symptoms, if you're still waiting for a diagnosis information about any medical tests you have had, and the results if you have them contact details for your GP contact details for anyone else who could give more information about your condition, such as a family member or someone who looks after you More help about completing an application for Adult Disability Payment can be found on the Disability Rights UK website - a guide covering the whole application process can be downloaded for free here. How to upload supporting documents online For help submitting supporting documents online you can contact Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222. There is also an upload page on here with all the details and document formats you need to know. The Scottish Government also announced earlier this year that third sector organisations are to be paid a fee for helping provide supporting information for people applying for Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment. The £33.50 fee will be paid when they are asked by Social Security Scotland to complete a supporting information request form. People who are applying for disability benefits who find it difficult or face barriers gathering supporting information themselves will be able to name organisations to provide this for them. These can include third sector organisations that are helping them in their day-to-day lives, such as those offering social care or support during an illness. Collecting supporting information on behalf of people is one of the key differences in how people are encouraged and supported to apply for Scottish Government disability benefits. Supporting information request forms are completed to help understand how a person's health condition or disability affects their lives and what support they need. As well as information from health and social care professions, information could also come from charities and third sector organisations who support disabled people. The process of requesting and giving equal consideration to supporting information from third sector organisations is not offered by the DWP in England and Wales to people applying for disability benefits including PIP, Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. Social Security Scotland said this is another example of how it is doing things differently to better support people applying for benefits. To get help completing an application form, you may also be able to use a free advocacy service - find out more here.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Over 400,000 people on PIP set to lose daily living payments due to new DWP reforms
The OBR now estimates 430,000 PIP claimants will lose their award between November 2026 and 2030. New estimates from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) indicate that 1.64 million people currently claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will have an award review between November 2026 and March 2030. Of these, it expects roughly a quarter (430,000) will lose their daily living award as a result of the tightened eligibility criteria, proposed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). New and existing claimants will need to score at four points in at least one of the 10 daily living categories - along with the requisite number of overall points from others - to qualify for PIP. The average loss to those claimants would be £4,500 each year, under the current PIP payment rates. MPs will debate the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on July 1, when it receives its second reading in the House of Commons. However, concerns and questions are expected to be raised on Monday when Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and her senior ministerial team attend the scheduled oral questions session in Parliament. The DWP has now conducted analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most common disabling conditions. These conditions have been chosen as they make up the highest proportions of PIP caseloads. The DWP has now conducted analysis of PIP claimants who did not score four points in at least one daily living activity in 18 of the most common disabling conditions. These conditions have been chosen as they make up the highest proportions of PIP caseloads. Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, recently shared the analysis findings in a written response to Liberal Democrat MP Victoria Collins. Sir Stephen said: 'A breakdown of the impact of the reforms on disability overall has been published as part of an Equality Analysis of the Spring Statement package of measures 'Data on the health conditions of Universal Credit claimants being placed in the LCWRA has been published and will continue to be taken into account in the future programme of analysis.' The DWP Minister continued: 'Analysis of those who do not score four points in at least one daily living activity for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) has now been undertaken.' He added that the table of findings 'shows the volume of claimants with the 18 most common disabling conditions in receipt of the PIP daily living component in January 2025, as well as the volume and proportion of these claimants who were awarded less than four points in all 10 daily living activities.' DWP analysis of current daily living awards DWP notes on the analysis state that the health condition category is based on primary health condition as recorded on the PIP Computer System at time of latest assessment. Many claimants have multiple health conditions but only primary condition is available for analysis. The list below shows PIP health conditions, the number of comments in receipt of PIP daily living component and the number of claimants awarded less than four points in all daily living activities at the end of January 2025. Back Pain - 194,000 claimants, 154,000 (79%) scored less than 4 points Arthritis - 279,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Other Regional Musculoskeletal Diseases - 136,000 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Chronic Pain Syndromes - 173,00 claimants, 97,000 (71%) scored less than 4 points Cardiovascular Diseases - 61,000 claimants, 38,000 (62%) scored less than 4 points Respiratory Diseases - 83,000 claimants, 45,000 (55%) scored less than 4 points Multiple Sclerosis and Neuropathic Diseases - 80,000 claimants, 38,000 (48%) scored less than 4 points All Other Conditions - 272,000 claimants, 126,000 (46%) scored less than 4 points Other Neurological Diseases - 97,000 claimants,35,000 (36%) scored less than 4 points Cerebrovascular Diseases - 56,000 claimants, 19,000 (34%) scored less than 4 points Cancer - 70,000 claimants, 23,000 (33%) scored less than 4 points Epilepsy - 36,000 claimants, 11,000 (30%) scored less than 4 points Other Psychiatric Disorders - 90,000 claimants, 25,000 (28%) scored less than 4 points Cerebral Palsy and Neurological Muscular Diseases - 47,000 claimants, 11,000 (24%) scored less than 4 points Psychotic Disorders - 112,000 claimants, 26,000 (23%) scored less than 4 points ADHD / ADD - 75,000 claimants, 14,000 (19%) scored less than 4 points Autistic Spectrum Disorders - 206,000 claimants, 13,000 (6%) scored less than 4 points Learning Disabilities - 188,000claimants, 7,000 (3%) scored less than 4 points Other disabling condition groups which cover smaller proportions of the PIP caseload are covered in the 'Other Conditions' category. This includes: Visual Diseases Other General Musculoskeletal Diseases Endocrine Diseases Hearing Disorders Gastrointestinal Diseases Genitourinary Diseases Skin Diseases Autoimmune Diseases (Connective Tissue Disorders) Infectious Diseases Diseases of the Liver, Gallbladder or Biliary Tract Haematological Diseases Metabolic Diseases Multisystem and Extremes of Age Diseases of the Immune System Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders - Other / type not known Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Stress reaction disorders - Other / type not known Generalised anxiety disorder Phobia - Specific Phobia - Social Agoraphobia Panic disorder Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) Anxiety and depressive disorders - mixed Conversion disorder (hysteria) Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) Dissociative disorders - Other / type not known Somatoform disorders - Other / type not known Depressive disorder Bipolar affective disorder (Hypomania / Mania) Mood disorders - Other / type not known Daily living component for PIP You might get the daily living component of PIP if you need help with: eating, drinking or preparing food washing, bathing, using the toilet, managing incontinence dressing and undressing talking, listening, reading and understanding managing your medicines or treatments making decisions about money mixing with other people How difficulty with tasks is assessed The DWP will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task, the DWP will look at: whether you can do it safely how long it takes you how often your condition affects this activity whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment The descriptors Your ability to carry out each activity is measured against a list of standard statements describing what you can or cannot do. These are known as the descriptors. The health professional will advise the DWP which descriptor applies to you for each activity. The Citizen's Advice website has a whole section dedicated to this along with a downloadable guide to all the points awarded for each response - you can view this here. An example they use is there are six descriptors for 'Dressing and undressing', ranging from 'Can dress and undress unaided' to 'Cannot dress or undress at all'. Each descriptor carries a points score ranging from 0 to 12. Using aids or appliances Your ability to carry out the daily living activities and the mobility activities will be assessed as if you were wearing or using any aids or appliances it would be reasonable for you to use. This applies whether or not you normally use those aids or appliances. However, if you use or need aids and appliances, this can help you to score more points - find out more here. Citizens Advice explains: 'An aid is any item which improves, provides or replaces impaired physical or mental function. It doesn't have to be specially designed as a disability aid. Examples include a stool you need to sit on when cooking, or a walking stick to help you stand.' Daily living scores Citizens Advice explains to get the daily living component of PIP, you must have a physical or mental condition that limits your ability to carry out some or all of the activities below. The maximum amount of PIP points that can be awarded for that question are shown. Daily living activity: Preparing food - 8 Taking medication - 10 Managing therapy or monitoring a health condition - 8 Washing and bathing - 8 Managing toilet needs or incontinence - 8 Dressing and undressing - 8 Communicating verbally - 12 Reading and understanding symbols and words - 8 Engaging with other people face to face - 8 Making budgeting decisions - 6 Points and payment rates After answering all the daily living activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP After answering all the mobility activity questions: If you get between 8 and 11 points in total - you will be awarded the standard rate of PIP If you get at least 12 points in total - you will be awarded the enhanced rate of PIP The latest DWP figures show that at the end of April there were more than 3.7 million PIP claimants across England and Wales. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has previously said more than 1,000 PIP claims are being awarded per day, making the argument for welfare reforms to ensure the system is sustainable for the future. The proposed changes will come into force in November 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. Reforms also include increasing the number of face-to-face assessments. At present, most are being conducted remotely over the phone, by video call, or paper-based. However, there will be no freeze on PIP payments, which will continue to be non-means-tested, and rise in-line with the September inflation rate. There will be no changes to the mobility component. You can complete the UK Government's consultation on proposed changes to PIP and the benefits system until 11.59pm on June 30, on here.
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
New DWP proposed welfare reforms due for debate in Parliament at start of next month
The UK Government needs to have the planned legislation approved by November to implement it next year. Commons Leader Lucy Powell announced on Thursday that proposed legislation to reform the welfare system will be debated by MPs for the first time next month. MPs are also expected to vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill on July 1, when it receives its second reading in the Commons. The UK Government has faced backlash from some Labour MPs over the 'damaging disability benefit cuts', which it has said could save up to £5 billion a year. Vicky Foxcroft resigned as Labour Whip on Thursday, informing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer by letter that she understood 'the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill' but did not believe the proposed cuts 'should be part of the solution'. Parliament rises for summer recess on July 22 and will not return to the House of Commons until September 1. The legislation needs to be approved by Parliament by this November in order for it to come into force next November. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is scheduled to appear in the Commons on Monday (June 23) for its scheduled oral questions session, where MPs are expected to press Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and her senior ministerial team on the proposed reforms. The reforms - aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work - are set to include the tightening of criteria for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is the main disability benefit, as well as a cut to the sickness-related element of Universal Credit and delayed access to only those aged 22 and over. Earlier this week, the DWP boss said the legislation 'marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity'. She added: 'Our social security system is at a crossroads. Unless we reform it, more people will be denied opportunities, and it may not be there for those who need it.' In what could be seen as an attempt to head off some opposition, the legislation will give existing claimants a 13-week period of financial support. DWP said this will apply to those affected by changes to the PIP daily living component, including those who lose their eligibility to Carers Allowance and the carer's element of Universal Credit. But campaigners, including disability equality charity Scope, said the longer transition period, up from an originally expected four weeks, 'will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end'. The latest DWP figures published on Tuesday, showed that more than 3.7 million people in England and Wales are claiming PIP, with teenagers and young adults making up a growing proportion. PIP is not means-tested and provides financial support of between £29.20 and £187.45 per week to people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition who need help doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. An impact assessment published alongside Wednesday's Bill introduction confirmed previously published estimates that changes to PIP entitlement rules could see around 800,000 people lose out, with an average loss of £4,500 per year. The impact assessment also confirmed a previous estimate that some 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, are likely to fall into relative poverty after housing costs in 2029/2030, although the UK Government repeated that this does not take into account the potentially positive impact of £1 billion annual funding by then for measures to support people into work. Changes to Universal Credit are expected to see an estimated 2.25 million current recipients of the health element impacted, with an average loss of £500 per year. But the UK Government said around 3.9m households not on the Universal Credit health element are expected to have an average annual gain of £265 from the increase in the standard Universal Credit allowance. While all of the Bill applies to England and Wales, only the Universal Credit changes apply to Scotland. The Scottish Government announced on Wednesday it will not mirror the planned changes to PIP in Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The latest Social Security Scotland figures show that at the end of April there were 476,295 people receiving financial support of up to £187.45 per week through the devolved disability benefit. Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville , said: 'The UK Government's proposed reforms will be hugely damaging to those who rely on social security support, particularly during the ongoing cost of living crisis. These plans have yet to be passed at Westminster, so there is still time for the UK Government to step back from this damaging policy and I strongly urge them to scrap their harmful proposals. 'The UK Government's own analysis highlights how the proposals will push 250,000 more people across the UK into poverty - including 50,000 children. With around half of all children in poverty in Scotland living in a household with a disabled person, the changes threaten to undermine the progress that we are making to reduce child poverty, and the work of the UK Government's Child Poverty Taskforce. 'That the UK Government is prioritising deep cuts to disabled people's support is made even worse by their failure to abolish the two-child limit, which is estimated to have pushed more than 35,000 children into poverty since July last year.' She added: 'The reforms do not reflect the Scottish Government's values. We will not let disabled people down or cast them aside as the UK Government has done. We will not cut Scotland's Adult Disability Payment. 'The UK Government should follow our lead and protect the social security safety system, rather than dismantling it. If they do not, then disabled people can draw no other conclusion than the UK Government remain content to balance the books on the backs of the most vulnerable.'
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Wales Online
Senior Labour MP quits her post over planned DWP benefits cuts
Senior Labour MP quits her post over planned DWP benefits cuts Sir Keir Starmer has faced a backlash from some Labour MPs over proposals to reform the welfare system Chuka Umunna and Vicky Foxcroft campaign for Labour Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft has resigned as a Government whip over proposed cuts to disability benefits. In a letter informing the Prime Minister of her resignation, the MP for Lewisham North said she understood 'the need to address the ever-increasing welfare bill' but did not believe the proposed cuts 'should be part of the solution'. She said: 'I have wrestled with whether I should resign or remain in the Government and fight for change from within. Sadly it is now (sic) seems that we are not going to get the changes I desperately wanted to see. 'I therefore tender my resignation as I know I will not be able to do the job that is required of me and whip – or indeed vote – for reforms which include cuts to disabled people's finances.' Ms Foxcroft, who previously served as shadow minister for disabled people, is the first frontbencher to resign over the proposed benefit cuts, and the second to go over policy issues following Anneliese Dodds' decision to quit as development minister over cuts to the aid budget. Rebel Labour MPs welcomed her decision, with Hartlepool's Jonathan Brash saying he had the 'utmost respect' for her 'principled stand' and Crewe and Nantwich's Connor Naismith saying it 'must have been an incredibly difficult decision but she should be commended for standing by her principles'. Responding to Ms Foxcroft's resignation, a Government spokesperson said: 'This Labour Government was elected to deliver change. The broken welfare system we inherited is failing the sick and most vulnerable and holding too many young people back. It is fair and responsible to fix it. Article continues below 'Our principled reforms will ensure those who can work should, that those who want to work are properly supported, and that those with most severe disabilities and health conditions are protected.' Sir Keir Starmer has faced a backlash from some Labour MPs over proposals to reform the welfare system expected to save up to £5 billion a year. Legislation introduced into Parliament on Wednesday includes a tightening of the criteria for the main disability payment in England, personal independence payment (Pip). Ministers also want to cut the sickness related element of universal credit (UC), and delay access to it, so only those aged 22 and over can claim it. The package of reforms is aimed at encouraging more people off sickness benefits and into work, but dozens of Labour rebels said last month that the proposals were 'impossible to support'. Pip is a benefit aimed at helping with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. The latest data, published on Tuesday, showed 3.7 million people in England and Wales claimed Pip, up from 2.05 million in 2019, with teenagers and young adults making up a growing proportion of claimants. Around 800,000 people are set to lose out on the benefit under the Government's proposals, according to an impact assessment published alongside Wednesday's legislation. The impact assessment also confirmed a previous estimate that some 250,000 more people, including 50,000 children, are likely to fall into relative poverty after housing costs in 2029/2030, although the Government repeated that this does not take into account the potentially positive impact of £1 billion annual funding by then for measures to support people into work. Article continues below Changes to universal credit are expected to see an estimated 2.25 million current recipients of the health element impacted, with an average loss of £500 per year. But the Government said around 3.9 million households not on the UC health element are expected to have an average annual gain of £265 from the increase in the standard UC allowance. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said the legislation 'marks the moment we take the road of compassion, opportunity and dignity'. But Neil Duncan-Jordan, the Labour MP for Poole and one of the backbenchers opposed to the change, said the Government was 'rushing through' the changes and urged ministers to think again.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP breaks down Pension Credit barriers to help people claim £4,300 boost
A successful new claim for Pension Credit can unlock access to help with housing costs and Council Tax bills. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? To help more people over State Pension age access additional financial support over the coming months, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its efforts to increase take-up of an income-related benefit worth over £4,300 this year. More than 700,000 older people are estimated to be entitled to Pension Credit, but not claiming it as they wrongly believe that because they have savings or own their own home they would not be eligible for the income top-up. Pension Credit can provide a top-up for single people on the New State Pension who have a total weekly income below £227.10, or couples with a combined weekly income of less than £346.60. There are currently 1.4 million people receiving additional financial support through Pension Credit, including over 125,000 living in Scotland. The Scottish and UK Governments have announced that all pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income below £35,000 will receive winter heating help this year. Pension Age Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to Scots on November 30. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £203.40, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £305.10. Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to pensioners in England Wales. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £200, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £300. Even though winter energy bill help will be issued to the majority of pensioners this year, there are still benefits to claiming Pension Credit - access to the £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme, help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts and free TV licences for the over-75s. Barriers to claiming Pension Credit The DWP aims to break down barriers to claiming and busts some of the most common myths people may have to encourage them to think again about applying. Older people may wrongly think they are not eligible because they: have savings own their own home may be working may be getting a small occupational pension may have been turned down in the past Other factors may be that they: do not want to be seen as needing to claim feel that they're able to manage do not think it's worth applying - as the amount they get will be very small do not recognise themselves as a Pension Credit claimant have not got around to it think it's a complex and confusing subject already get other help and do not want to mess up the benefits they are getting Eight Pension Credit myths busted Having listed some of the main reasons people of State Pension age may be put off from claiming Pension Credit, the DWP has also busted eight common myths about the benefit. They do not think they will be eligible for Pension Credit False - some 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 living in Scotland currently receive the extra financial support. They would get so little that it's not worth claiming False - DWP says the average Pension Credit payment is actually over £75 per week - that's well over an extra £3,900 per year. Plus, getting Pension Credit can provide a passport to help with things like rent, Council Tax, Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Cold Weather Payments (not Scotland) and a free TV licence for people aged 75 and over. They have savings, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that people can have savings or another pension and still get extra money. Unlike other income related benefits like Universal Credit, there is no capital cut-off limit and for Pension Credit savings of under £10,000 are ignored. They own their own home, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that homeowners can get Pension Credit too and that almost half of the people who get Pension Credit own their own home. They are not eligible for Pension Credit - it's for 'old' people False - People can claim as soon as they reach the qualifying age, which is now State Pension age - 66 for both men and women. They cannot get a State Pension, so they will not be eligible False - DWP said that they may be entitled to Pension Credit - even if they're not entitled to a State Pension. They have been turned down for Pension Credit before, so it's not worth applying again False - DWP said that personal circumstances could have changed and their income or capital may have changed as a result. The first £10,000 of savings will be ignored when working out if someone can get Pension Credit. It is too complicated and claiming is not worth the effort False - DWP has simplified the process and people can claim with one free phone call to the Pension Credit claim line. However, there are other ways to claim such as a paper claim form, which can be downloaded from the website or an online claim can be made - find out more here. Pension Credit Help to claim Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim Article continues below To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
