pension credit query

[fruitsalad]

This gentleman I know has just turned 65 and due to collect his state pension which will be topped up with pension credit as its not enough to live on, his wife is 15 years younger than him and yet the pension credit is still paid to them as a couple, should this not just be paid to the pensioner?

[Buenchico]

See here:
http://www.direct.gov...ow_income/dg_10018692

Chris

[Yorky Lass]

Not sure what you mean about Pension Credit being paid to your friend as a Pensioner. Basically Pension Credit is Income Support for pensioners ie the over 60's. If he is going to receive a couples rate then he will be receiving the correct rate.
Tell him to check with his council as if he receives Pension Credit he may be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. It will depend on his savings.

[fruitsalad]

thanks for the link Chris, I think what I am trying to get at though is if his wife is still young enough to work (if she managed to find herself a job) would they still qualify for pension credit as a couple?

[Francis Asis]

If the wife gets a job anything she earns will be taken off the pension credit

[Yorky Lass]

Her earnings would be taken into consideration. He can not claim as a single person if he is married and his partner is working. Her earnings would probably wipe out any entitlement.

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"If you have a partner you and your partner’s income and capital will be added together when calculating your Pension Credit".

Source:
http://www.direct.gov...nsionCredit/DG_180168

Chris

[fruitsalad]

so in that case unless she gets a really well paid job, it would'nt be in her interest to get a job