Pension Credit

I really would advise a visit to the CAB

So would I.

Most of those questions can be answered on-line at gov.uk. You may also find some of the forums on moneysavingexpert.com useful.
Good luck in your decision!

Sorry Ray no experience of any of this so can’t help.

OK all, thanks for responses.

Or contact AgeUk. Thre website is good too.

There are two types of Pension Credit and one will entitle you to free eye tests and free nhs dental treatment, the other won't. Sorry can't remember the differences.

You don't have to attend an office while on pc.

Sorry not to be more help.

I assume that you will reach the current retirement age on Nov 6 and will move from JSA to state pension.

Pension Credit is only paid to those who are over retirement age and in receipt of a state pension. Its purpose is to bring the income (from all sources) of retired people up to a basic minimum, which is £159 for a single person and £243 for couples. This is called Pensions Credit: Guarantee Level.

If your income is above that you can get Pensions Credit: Savings Level which has a maximum value of about £15 a week and gradually decreases as your income level rises and you would cease to get it if your income, I think, is about £100 above the Guarantee level.

Pension Credit is simply an upgraded pension so you no more need go to a job centre when you receive it than you do when you receive a state pension.

Pension Credit is based on your income, taking account your income from all sources. If you are working, part time or full time, your income will be increased by the extent of your earnings so your pension credit will be reduced by that amount. State pension is not a benefit, but a contributory pension so this is unaffected by whether you work or not. How many hours you work is irrelevant. It is the income it generates that matters.

I am not sure whether pensioners are affected by the bedroom tax. With Pension Credit Guarantee level you are entitled to all the help you get on JSA.

Whether you can still attend free training courses will rpobably vary from course to course and who is running them.

Despite your prejudices the best sources of in formation on this topic are Government websites and advice lines. In the past I have always found the Pensions Agency very helpful. Failing that Age Concern are very helpful. They have a series of Fact Sheets on their website that you will find helpful. Alternatively speak to the Citizen's Advice Bureau (CAB).

Frankly, any other sources, friends, neighbours, even Gransnet respondents, are going to be a lot less accurate and authoritative than the official sources.

Anyone reaching state pension age from April 16 will not be entitled to the Pension Saving Credit part

Which proves the point I made in my last para.