The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently revealed that 9.2 million people over State Pension age missed out on the 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment due to eligibility rule changes. However, many pensioners may be unaware they could still claim financial assistance worth up to £9,960 in 2025/26 by applying for two key benefits: Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.
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With 13 million people now over State Pension age, estimates suggest that 760,000 pensioners qualify for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it. Similarly, over one million older individuals could be eligible for Attendance Allowance, a tax-free benefit that does not affect income calculations for Pension Credit claims.
Pension Credit: A Vital Lifeline for Low-Income Pensioners
Pension Credit provides essential support for over 1.4 million pensioners, including 125,000 in Scotland, by topping up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. In 2025/26, eligible pensioners can receive:
- £218.15 per week if single
- £332.95 per week if part of a couple
For pensioners who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and are on the Basic State Pension, the income thresholds are slightly higher:
- £260.68 per week if single
- £380.55 per week for couples
Hidden Perks of Pension Credit
Even a small Pension Credit award of just £1 per week can unlock additional financial benefits, such as:
- Housing Benefit for renters
- Support for Mortgage Interest for homeowners
- Council Tax Reduction
- Free NHS dental care, glasses, and transport for hospital visits
- A free TV licence (for those over 75)
- Help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment
- Discounted Royal Mail redirection service when moving home
Attendance Allowance: How to Claim Up to £434 a Month for Extra Support in Later Life
New State Pension 2025: How the Latest Increase Could Impact Your Tax in Retirement
How Much State Pension Increase for 2025? Payment Dates & New Rates
April 2025 Tax Changes: Winners and Losers – Impact on Pensioners, Workers, and Home Buyers
Scottish Pensioners to Receive Up to £305 in Winter Heating Support – How to Maximize Your Payment
Mixed-Age Couples and Pension Credit
A major rule change in 2019 means that couples where one partner is under State Pension age can no longer claim Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit. They must both reach State Pension age before they become eligible.
Attendance Allowance: Extra Cash for Health-Related Needs
Attendance Allowance is designed for older people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. It provides extra financial help to cover additional daily living costs.
For the 2024/25 tax year, Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates:
- £72.65 per week (lower rate)
- £108.55 per week (higher rate)
This amounts to £5,644 per year at the highest rate.
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible if you:
- Need help with daily personal care (e.g., dressing, eating, getting in/out of bed, bathing, using the toilet)
- Require supervision to stay safe due to a physical or mental health condition
- Experience difficulties completing tasks independently due to pain or mobility issues
- Have sensory impairments (hearing loss or vision difficulties)
Key Benefits of Attendance Allowance
- Not means-tested – your income and savings will not affect eligibility
- Tax-free and does not count towards the benefit cap
- Can be claimed while still working
- Does not impact eligibility for other financial support
Quickest Ways to Check Your Eligibility
Pensioners, their families, or friends can easily check eligibility and estimate potential benefits using the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, claims can be made directly through the Pension Credit helpline by calling 0800 99 1234 (open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm).
For Attendance Allowance, application forms can be downloaded from GOV.UK or requested via the Attendance Allowance helpline.
Expert Assistance for Claims
For further help with applications, consider reaching out to:
- Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk)
- Age UK (www.ageuk.org.uk)
- Independent Age (www.independentage.org)
- Income Max (www.incomemax.org.uk)
Don’t Miss Out on Up to £9,960 in Additional Support
With so many pensioners missing out on extra financial help, it’s essential to check eligibility and claim what you’re entitled to. Whether through Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, these benefits provide critical support to ensure a better quality of life in retirement.
Make sure you apply today to maximize your benefits and secure your financial future.
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