The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that 9.2 million people over State Pension age missed out on the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment due to a recent eligibility rule change. However, many of these pensioners may be eligible for two separate benefits, totaling up to £9,542 in the current financial year, rising to £9,940 for 2025/26. The article highlights Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance as potential options and provides details about their eligibility criteria, payment amounts, and how to apply.
The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) recently confirmed that 9.2 million people over State Pension age missed out on the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment due to a change in eligibility rules. However, many of these pensioners may not be aware that they could qualify for two separate benefits, totaling up to £9,542 in the current financial year, rising to £9,940 for 2025/26 due to the annual uprating in April.
Pension Credit helps those over State Pension age on a low income by boosting their annual income by around £4,200 on average while Attendance Allowance can provide additional financial support of up to £434 each month - some £5,642 each year - for those with a long-term health condition or disability. Attendance Allowance payments will rise by 1.7 per cent from April, making them worth either £5,740 over 2025/26 for those on the higher rate and £3,842 for people on the standard rate. A full list of the new payment rates, including Pension Credit, can be found here. There are currently 12.9 million people over State Pension age and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 760,000 are eligible for Pension Credit and not claiming the income-related benefit. Similarly, over one million pensioners are believed to be eligible for Attendance Allowance, which is not affected by income or savings, is tax-free, and is not counted as income when it comes to claiming Pension Credit.
Pension Credit Attendance Allowance Winter Fuel Payment State Pension DWP Benefits
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