Married state pensioners born before 1958 to be handed nearly £4,000 from DWP
by James Rodger, https://www.facebook.com/jamesrodgerjournalist · Birmingham LiveMarried state pensioners over State Pension age could get almost £4000 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). State pensioners have been warned they could be missing out on a payout worth almost £4,000 from the DWP every year.
The new Labour Party government recently changed the eligibility criteria for who can automatically receive the Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300. But Pension Credit claimants are set to be handed £3,900 payments - and unlock the Winter Fuel Allowance to boost.
State Pension age is currently 66 years old (born before 1958) for both men and women. You can check when you'll receive your State Pension using the GOV.UK checker below. You won't get your State Pension automatically – you have to claim it Pension Credit claimants will also automatically receive a Winter Fuel Payment of up to £300 in line with the new eligibility change. Pension Credit perks include the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300 paid automatically each year and a one-off payment of £150 through the Warm Home Discount Scheme to help with the cost of energy this winter.
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A Cold Weather Payment of £25 a week, which is paid automatically when the average temperature is 0°C or below over seven consecutive days, Housing benefit worth up to £4,338 a year, Council tax support of £1,670 a year, Water bill discount of £160 a year and cheaper broadband and phone deals worth up to £200 a year are also perks.
Other benefits include free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital and a free TV licence if you're over-75 worth £175. To claim Pension Credit, you can either claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren't any children or young people included in your claim) or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone.
Age UK, a charity which has tried to raise awareness of Pension Credit, says lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.