Pension Credits and the Previously Self-Employed

[FairPlay77]

I need to know on behalf of a formerly self-employed person aged 60 how easy it is to claim pension credit. This person has very little in the way of savings and, I understand, there is a normal waiting time of eight to ten weeks between the time an application is made and the first payment is made and that this may be even longer for someone who has been self-employed (in this case working on a self-employed basis for a company but not having his own business).

Is it possible to claim other benefits to cover the time between the moment his money runs out and the Pension Credit he is entitled to is paid? Is there anything that can be done to hurry the process along in cases of dire need? Also, as there is a problem with council-tax arrears, can deductions be made from his very meagre savings and from his Pension Credit when, and if, it is finally approved?

Any advice on these questions would be appreciated.

[saintly_1]

Hi

You may be better asking about this in the Benefits forum here http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...edits-minimum/

saint

[MARTIN3030]

Will move there for you.

[redsonja]

Fairplay

There is a helpline to claim Pension credit and they are really helpful. They will even fill in the form for you over the phone and then send it out to you to be signed.

Depends on any backlogs on how long it takes to get processed but it will be backdated.

Council Tax arrears are dealt with by the Local Authority and this person should contact them to make an arrangement to pay the arrears. They can also tell them they are waiting to hear about Pension Credit and the council may be more understanding than you think....as long as they have been put in the picture.