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Britons are being urged to check if they\u2019re eligible for a tax-free income boost through Pension Credit, worth up to \u00a33,500 a year.<\/p>\n
Pension Credit is one of the DWP\u2019s\u00a0most underclaimed benefits but it can open the door to additional financial help, such as entitlement to Council Tax\u00a0support.<\/p>\n
Council Tax Reduction is a benefit aimed to help people who are on a low income or claiming certain benefits to pay their Council Tax bill.<\/p>\n
There is no specific amount someone may be entitled to, the rate depends on the person\u2019s circumstances and where they live.<\/p>\n
However, those who receive the Guarantee Credit component of Pension Credit might be able to get their council tax bill paid in full.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/strong> DWP payments worth \u00a31,100 to arrive before Christmas – check your eligibility<\/strong><\/p>\n Pension credit is a benefit distributed by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to help those retired and on lower incomes with living costs. The benefit is separate from the state pension and people can receive this even if they have other income, savings, or own their own home.<\/p>\n To claim, a person must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached the state pension age (currently 66 and over). They or their partner must also be receiving housing benefits. If this applies, the person must then work out their total weekly income.<\/p>\n This should include the state pension, other pensions, earnings from employment and self-employment, and most social security benefits, such as Carer\u2019s Allowance. However, not all benefits need to be included. For example, the following are not counted and shouldn\u2019t be included in the calculation:<\/p>\n People are most likely to be eligible if their total weekly income is roughly under \u00a3220. However, if their income is higher, they might still be eligible so it\u2019s worth checking the Government\u00a0Pension Credit calculator\u00a0just in case.<\/p>\n Nearly 1.4 million pensioners in Britain are currently in receipt of the benefit, however, thousands more are thought to be eligible but aren\u2019t aware of it. Pension Credit can be claimed by phone and\u00a0online, ensuring that older people can apply safely and easily, wherever they are.<\/p>\n There are two types of Pension Credit available – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. At present, Guarantee Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed level of \u00a3201.05 for single claimants, or a joint weekly income level of \u00a3306.85 for those with partners.<\/p>\n Savings credit provides an additional top-up for those who have made some provision towards their retirement by saving or contributing to a pension other than the basic state pension.<\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> ![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/23\/590x\/secondary\/pension-credit-how-to-claim-5023484.jpg?r=1697798397184\")
<\/p>\nWhat is Pension Credit?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How much is Pension Credit worth?\u00a0<\/h3>\n
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Millions assume they\u2019re \u2018entitled\u2019 to the state pension. They’re wrong[EXPLAINED] <\/strong>
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