Pension credit: what is pension credit? How much could you get?

Pension credit has bee the focus of money expert Martin Lewis this week, with the expert saying millions are missing out on extra money each year according to new government figures.

Express.co.uk has compiled a guide to explain what pension credit is, how it works and how much you could be eligible for. Savings credit is a reward for those who have saved for retirement

or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It is only available to people who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016. For single pensioners, you could see your weekly

income increase by £13.73 per week. If you are in a couple, you could see your joint weekly income increase by £15.35 per week. You may also be entitled to have additional pension credit in

special circumstances. For instance, you might get a higher amount of pension credit if you are: * Disabled * Have caring responsibilities * Responsible for paying certain housing costs,

such as mortgage interest payments. HOW DO YOU QUALIFY FOR PENSION CREDIT? To qualify for pension credit you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to

qualify for Pension Credit. If you’re in a couple you can start getting Pension Credit if either: You and your partner have both reached State Pension age One of you is getting Housing

Benefit for people over State Pension age Your partner is your husband, wife or civil partner (if you live with them) or someone else you live with as if you were married. If you were

getting pension credit before May 15, 2019, you will continue to get pension credit even if your partner is under State Pension age. If your entitlement stops for any reason, for example

your circumstances change, you cannot start getting it again unless you (or your partner) are eligible under the new rules. You can work out exactly how much you could get by using this

pension credit calculator. You will need the details of your earnings, benefits and pensions, and savings and investments. You will also need the same details for your partner if you have

one. HOW TO CLAIM PENSION CREDIT? The easiest way to claim pension credit is via the telephone. A friend or family member can call for you, but you must be with them when they call. Pension

Credit claim line Telephone: 0800 99 1234 Textphone: 0800 169 0133 NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234 The phone lines are open Monday to

Friday from 8am to 7:30pm. You can use also use a paper application if you are unable to make a claim by phone. You should contact a voluntary organisation, for example Citizens Advice or

AgeUK, in your area or get a friend or family member to call the helpline to ask for a paper application. When you make your claim you will need your: National Insurance number Information

about your income, savings and investments Bank account details. The earliest you can start your application is 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.