MIXED AGE COUPLES- PENSION CREDIT & HB CLAIMS CUT OFF DATE

Important- We have been advising of this future change and we finally have a date. From 15/5/2019, mixed-age couples will be excluded from entitlement to Pension Credit. Here's the commencement order and government statement.

 

At present, and until that date, mixed aged couples can claim the more generous Pension Credit as long as the member of the couple above retirement age makes the claim. They can also claim Housing Benefit(without the Benefit Cap or the bedroom tax) rather than Universal Credit. There are no extra elements for being a pensioner under Universal Credit, making clients worse off.

 

Clients who claim either Pension Credit or Housing Benefit, before this date will remain on those benefits for as long as they are still entitled. They would also be able to claim the other benefit in the future as well.

 

Example of a typical couple who is affected by the change- one below and one above retirement age/ Pension Credit age(currently 65 and 1 month)-

60   and   70 

 

AGE UK warn this could leave some couples £7,000 per year worse off. Advisers should consider looking out for clients who might be entitled and advise them to make a claim for Pension Credit/ Housing Benefit before 15/5/2019.

 

Book now for our updated Introduction to Welfare Benefits 2019 course.