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Following the Government’s reversal on Winter Fuel Payments rules, millions of pensioners with an income below £35,000 can anticipate a £300 payment this winter. Those earning above this threshold will have the benefit deducted from their taxes instead. The specifics of these new rules should be made public by the end of the month.
However, there are other government benefits specifically for those over state pension age that are not being fully claimed. Potentially worth thousands each year.
Warm Home Discount
This scheme operates only during the winter season and credits your electricity account, rather than providing cash in hand. To qualify, you must either be receiving the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit or be on a low income with high energy costs.
If you live in Scotland, you may also need to meet your energy supplier’s criteria for the scheme. The scheme is typically automatically applied to eligible households, but more information can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Housing Benefit
An increasing number of pensioners are renting their homes, making housing benefit a potential lifeline. According to Age UK, new claims for housing benefit can be made once you reach the age of 66.
This means-tested benefit is designed to assist with rental costs, with the exact amount dependent on your living situation, rent amount, and the number of rooms in your home. It’s one of six legacy benefits gradually transitioning to the Universal Credit system.
Pension Credit
If you’re earning less than the full state pension, you might qualify for Pension Credit. This income supplement can add up to £4,300 annually and also provides access to other benefits and discounts, including a free TV licence for those aged over 75.
Gov.uk offers a Pension Credit calculator to help determine eligibility for this support. It’s currently one of the most underclaimed benefits, with eligible people missing out on approximately £1.5 billion each year.
Disability Benefits
There are also various health benefits available to cover the extra costs associated with illnesses and disabilities, some of which are exclusively for people over the state pension age. If you had already claimed PIP or DLA before reaching the state pension age, you might still be eligible to receive it.
People over the age of 66 may qualify for Attendance Allowance instead, which can range between £73.90 and £110.40 per week, depending on the level of assistance or supervision required.
If you provide care to someone, you may qualify for Carer’s Allowance, the exact amount you get will depend on your state pension income.
Should your state pension be under £83.30, Carer’s Allowance will makeup the difference. However, if your pension exceeds this amount weekly, you won’t get any payment but you will get ‘underlying entitlement’.
Age UK explained that even without receiving a payment, being eligible for Carer’s Allowance can offer advantages: “This entitlement could mean you get extra money with any means-tested benefits you claim, such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.”
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, certain caring responsibilities must be met by the applicant, and the person being cared for must satisfy specific conditions to render you eligible.
