Older people making new claim for Pension Credit this summer could be due next cost of living payment

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) updated the income levels from April 2023 showing that if you are over 65 and reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, you could still qualify for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than £240.90 if you are single and £351.45 if you are in a couple.

The passport benefit is worth more than £3,500 a year on average and successful claimants could also qualify for the next means-tested cost of living payments worth £300 and £299 - due in the autumn and spring 2024, respectively.

New claims are currently taking 34 working days on average to process which means first payments, and any arrears, could arrive by the end of July, and more than likely fall within the qualifying period for the autumn cost of living payment of £300.

Pension Credit currently gives 127,060 people across Scotland extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income.Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the ‘gateway’ benefit which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.