We are presently carrying out a campaign for all tenants of the Association who are aged over 66 (current pension Age) to ensure they are receiving their full benefit entitlement from the Government.
This is being done due to the recent Government benefit changes to stop paying the “Winter Fuel Payment” to Pensioners who are not in receipt of Pension Credit (Guarantee).
Our Welfare Rights Officers can carry out an assessment of your personal circumstances and determine if you have an entitlement to additional benefits. They will be able to assist you with the completion of any claim forms and provide advice and assistance with any matters relating to Welfare Benefits.
The following are examples of the types of benefit that you may be entitled to claim if you are over 66 years of age:
- Pension Credit (Guarantee)
- Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit
- Discretionary Housing Payment
- State Retirement Pension
- Attendance Allowance
- Carers Allowance/Carers Premiums
- Winter Fuel Payments/Cold Weather Payments
If you have health issues and do not already qualify for a Disability Benefit you may qualify for Attendance Allowance which we can assist you with claiming.
If someone is awarded Attendance Allowance this can often lead to an entitlement to additional benefits such as Pension Credit (Guarantee). Pension Credit (Guarantee) is a “passport to other benefits” such as the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, full Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, free dental costs and free glasses. It also entitles you to a free TV Licence for the over 75’s.
Pension Credit (Guarantee) is a means tested benefit, so the amount that someone may qualify for is determined by income from their State Pension, Private & Occupational Pensions and capital/savings if they have any.
Anyone can make a claim for Pension Credit (Guarantee), this can be done by telephone or online. If you do not feel comfortable making the claim for yourself, use our services or ask a friend or family member for assistance. A telephone claim can be made by calling “0800 99 1234” and the online claim can be made by using the Gov.uk website and search for “Pension Credit (Guarantee)”.
You can request any claim for Pension Credit (Guarantee) to be backdated for 13 weeks from the date of the claim. If you claim Pension Credit (Guarantee) by the 21st December 2024 and ask for it to be backdated for 13 weeks you will qualify for the “Winter Fuel Payment” this winter if you are awarded Pension Credit (Guarantee).
If you would like take up our offer to see a Welfare Rights Officer please contact the office to arrange an appointment for a Benefit Check. If you are unable to come to the office a home visit can be arranged.
We are also available to provide advice and assistance with appealing decisions to refuse an award of benefit and provide representation at any subsequent appeal hearings.
www.shettleston.co.uk
0141 763 0211
sha@shettleston.co.uk
