Over £5 billion of Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit goes unclaimed by older people every year, whilst up to 2.1 million pensioners in the UK are now living in poverty. The current strain on finances is getting ever greater and it is more important than ever for people to receive their full entitlements.
These benefits are being missed out on unnecessarily, largely due to a lack of awareness of the support available or difficulty in completing the applications. It’s estimated that over half of claims are rejected because forms have been completed incorrectly.
The improved level of support and independence gained by receiving the full benefits is worth investing the time and energy into applying for each benefit.
We have summarised below, some of the key main benefits for elderly people that are most likely to be overlooked or misunderstood.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of disability or illness and is calculated on the care you need rather than the amount you currently receive. Attendance Allowance can boost income significantly, by an increase of either £61.85 or £92.40 per week.
This benefit isn’t means tested and will not impact the amount received through other benefits – it is truly worth investing time in applying for this benefit. The allowance does not have to be spent on care, enabling recipients to improve their level of support as desired.
Eligibility:
- Be of state pension age
- Have a physical disability and/or mental disability (including sight or hearing impairments) which requires help and support (you do not need to be currently receiving care)
- Need help with personal care such as getting washed or dressed
- You have needed help for at least 6 months.
If you do receive an Attendance Allowance you may also be able to claim the Disability Cost of Living Payment.
We have helped hundreds of people claim Attendance Allowance which can boost their income by up to £92.40/week. That’s a significant increase in income if they aren’t already claiming it!
Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Pension Credit comes in two parts. You might be eligible for one or both parts.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum level:
- £182.60 if you're single
- £278.70 if you're a couple.
Savings Credit is extra money if you have some savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It's available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. You could get up to:
- £14.48 extra per week if you're single
- £16.20 extra per week if you're a couple.
If you receive Pension Credit, you also may be able to get other help such as below:
- Housing benefit
- Support for Mortgage Interest
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Discount on the Royal Mail redirection service.
This year if you are on means tested benefits, such as Pension Credit, you will receive an extra payment of £650 via the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment or standard Cost of Living Payment, in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee, Energy Bills Support Scheme, Winter Fuel Payment and potential Disability Cost of Living Payment if eligible.
Even if you've previously been turned down, you can make a new claim each year.
With over 58% of Attendance Allowance claims rejected in the wider public and a growing processing time for all related benefits, it is important to prioritise an experienced partner to assist in fulfilling the required paperwork.
Our team provide a reliable and simple service for those looking to improve their level of support and successfully help people with applying for their Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit and accessing further benefits.
If your loved ones are claiming a state pension, arrange for them talk to us about what other benefits they may be eligible to. We offer a free 30-minute consultation to assess eligibility.
Call us on 01628 947066 and we’ll be happy to help.
