Other questions answered
I'm only entitled to a small amount. Why should I bother applying?
Even if you're only awarded a small amount, it may mean that you can get help with other things such as your rent or Council Tax.
What happens if I have assets in a frozen bank account?
People applying for Pension Credit, who have funds in a 'frozen bank account', will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Decisions on entitlement will be made by decision makers according to the facts of the case. Where the funds in an account cannot be accessed as normal, a specialist valuation of the individual’s rights to the money in their account will be required.
Pension Disability and Carers Service staff will request a specialist valuation in accordance with current guidance. Dependant on the individual's circumstances it is possible that the valuation will be lower than the actual balance in the accounts. This may mean that people who would otherwise have no entitlement to Pension Credit, due to their savings, may have entitlement until such time as their assets are available to them.
When can I apply?
You can apply up to four months before the date from which you want to start getting Pension Credit. Please make a claim as soon as you think you may be entitled. However, you can also apply up to three months after the date from which you wish to start getting it. For example, if your 60th birthday is on 10 December 2008, and you want to start getting Pension Credit from that date, you can apply at any time between 10 August 2008 and 9 March 2009.
If you want Pension Credit to start from a past or future date, you must tell us when you apply. If you apply over the phone, we can go through this with you. If you ask for an application form, there is more information in the booklet we send with it which will help you.
If you would like to get an estimate of how much Pension Credit you might receive you can use the Pension Credit calculator
If English is not my first language, how will I be able to apply?
If you want to apply for Pension Credit and English is not your first language, you can phone us free on 0800 99 1234 and ask for an interpreter. When you call, you should say in English, or ask a friend to say, that you want to make an application in another language. One of our staff and an interpreter will then call you back to help you apply.
To apply for Pension Credit call 0800 99 1234
Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.00am - 8.00pm