Many older individuals in the UK are unaware they could be eligible for Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, which can collectively provide up to £9,542 in financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that millions are missing out on these benefits due to changes in eligibility rules.
Millions of older individuals across the UK may be unknowingly missing out on substantial financial benefits. The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) recently revealed that 9.2 million people over State Pension age missed out on the Winter Fuel Payment for 2024/25 due to changes in eligibility rules. This number is projected to increase to 9.940 for 2025/26. Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance present two significant opportunities for financial support.
Pension Credit, designed for those over State Pension age with low incomes, can boost yearly earnings by approximately £4,200 on average. Meanwhile, Attendance Allowance provides additional financial aid of up to £434 each month, equating to around £5,642 annually for individuals living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. From April, Attendance Allowance payments will increase by 1.7%, making them worth either £5,740 over 2025/26 for those on the higher rate, and £3,842 for individuals on the standard rate. There are currently 12.9 million people over State Pension age, with the DWP estimating that 760,000 are eligible for Pension Credit but aren't claiming this income-related benefit. Similarly, over one million pensioners could qualify for Attendance Allowance, which is unaffected by income or savings, tax-free, and not considered as income when applying for Pension Credit. Pension Credit currently assists 1.4 million individuals, including 125,000 residing in Scotland. It increases weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £218.15 for single pensioners and £332.95 for couples, averaging an annual benefit of £3,900. If you are a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £218.15, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income less than £332.95, you may qualify for Pension Credit. Likewise, if you're over 65 and reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and are on the Basic State Pension, you could still be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than £260.68 as a single person or £380.55 as part of a couple. Even a modest award of £1 per week can unlock access to additional financial support, such as the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment. In May 2019, legislation changed regarding 'mixed age couples' - where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is not. These couples are now considered 'working age' when assessing entitlement to means-tested benefits, meaning they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to this DWP change, a mixed-age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. The quickest way to check eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits is by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can call the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday
Pension Credit Attendance Allowance Benefits UK Pensioners DWP Winter Fuel Payment Eligibility
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Millions of Pensioners Could Be Missing Out on £3,900 a YearThe Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending out a leaflet to 11 million state pension recipients to encourage them to claim Pension Credit, which could add an extra £3,900 per year to their income. The leaflet is being sent out as part of the annual state pension uprating exercise. Pension Credit is a top-up payment for those who are on a low income and are aged 66 or over. It can be claimed by individuals and couples.
Read more »
Millions of Pensioners Missing Out on BenefitsThe 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.
Read more »
Millions of Pensioners Face Tax Bills by 2032Former pensions minister Sir Steve Webb warns that 76% of UK pensioners will be paying income tax by 2032 due to frozen tax thresholds, an aging population, and the triple lock on state pension increases. The number of tax-paying retirees is expected to reach 10 million.
Read more »
Millions of Pensioners Face Rising Income Tax by 2032A new study warns that up to ten million older citizens could be paying income tax by 2032 due to static income tax thresholds and rising state pension values. The Labour Party's current policies are projected to ensnare three-quarters of pensioners in the tax net. Experts express concern that this trend will worsen as the population ages and pensions continue to increase.
Read more »
Millions of Pensioners Face Income Tax by 2032A new study predicts that up to ten million pensioners in the UK could be paying income tax by 2032 due to a combination of factors, including static income tax thresholds, an aging population, and the triple lock on state pension increases. Experts warn that this trend will disproportionately impact those already struggling financially.
Read more »
Millions to Get State Pension Boost, But 453,000 Overseas Pensioners Miss OutThe State Pension will rise by 4.1% for millions of people in the UK from April 7th, 2025, thanks to the Triple Lock. However, nearly half a million pensioners living abroad in countries without a reciprocal agreement with the UK government will not receive this increase. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stated it is not negotiating any new agreements, leaving many retirees with 'frozen' pensions.
Read more »