From the 6th October 2003 the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) introduced Pension Credits to replace Minimum Income Guarantee (MIG) (Income Support) for people aged 60 and over. Pension Credits will provide a guaranteed income for recipients and their partners, and for the first time there will be a savings credit which is designed to reward people aged 65 and over who have made modest provision for their retirement.
Under current arrangements people aged 60 and over receive free sight tests under the NHS on age grounds, but do not automatically receive NHS optical vouchers unless they are in receipt of MIG.
Although people aged 60 and over are eligible to free sight tests under the NHS because of their age, some may have younger partners who were entitled via their partner's MIG.
Pleases click on the pdf document on the right to read the full advice issued by the Department of Health.
