Thousands of UK state pensioners may be missing out on financial support worth up to £9,800 per year, as many eligible individuals have not yet claimed Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. These two benefits, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), are designed to help low-income pensioners and those who need additional support due to health conditions or disabilities.
Despite rising living costs, a significant number of pensioners who qualify for these payments have not applied, meaning they could be missing out on essential financial aid. Some may be unaware that they meet the criteria, while others may be discouraged by the application process or believe they do not qualify due to small savings or other income sources. However, these benefits are specifically designed to ensure pensioners receive adequate financial support and can access discounts on essential services.
Who Can Claim These Payments?
State pensioners aged 66 and over—particularly those born before 1959—are being encouraged to check if they qualify for Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, as these payments can provide significant financial relief.
Despite these benefits being available, many eligible pensioners are not claiming them. It is estimated that:
- Up to 1.1 million people could be missing out on Attendance Allowance, leaving around £5.2 billion in unclaimed benefits each year.
- Approximately 880,000 households who qualify for Pension Credit are not claiming it, despite it being worth an average of £3,900 per year.
Both payments are non-repayable, meaning pensioners who qualify for them will receive extra financial support without affecting their state pension.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, which means eligibility is based on health needs rather than income. It is designed for pensioners who require help with daily tasks due to long-term health conditions, disabilities, or mobility issues.
The benefit is available at two different rates, depending on the level of support needed:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week (£3,778 per year) – for those who need help during either the day or night.
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week (£5,644 per year) – for those who need help during both the day and night or have been diagnosed with a terminal illness.
To qualify, pensioners must have needed assistance or supervision for at least six consecutive months. Conditions that may qualify include sensory impairments, mobility issues, dementia, or other chronic illnesses.
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up the income of low-income pensioners to ensure they have a minimum standard of living.
Pensioners may be eligible if their weekly income is below:
- £218.15 for a single person
- £332.95 for a couple
In addition to providing extra income, Pension Credit unlocks access to several additional benefits, including:
- A free TV licence (worth £174 per year from April 2024)
- Council tax reductions
- Free NHS prescriptions
- Help with heating costs, such as the Warm Home Discount (£150) and Winter Fuel Payment
- Discounts on transport and other household bills
Why Are So Many Pensioners Not Claiming These Benefits?
There are several reasons why hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out on these payments:
- Lack of awareness: Many pensioners simply do not know they are eligible.
- Complex application processes: Some people find the process of applying for benefits difficult or confusing.
- Concerns about means testing: Some pensioners mistakenly believe they won’t qualify due to small savings or additional income.
To address this, the DWP is actively encouraging pensioners and their families to check eligibility and apply. The government has also launched campaigns to increase awareness and improve take-up rates for these benefits.
How to Apply for Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance
Pensioners can check their eligibility and apply through the following methods:
For Pension Credit:
- Online: Use the Pension Credit calculator on the gov.uk website to check eligibility.
- By phone: Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
- By post: Application forms can be requested and sent by mail.
For Attendance Allowance:
- By phone: Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request an application form.
- By post: Download the form from the gov.uk website and submit it by mail.
Encouraging Pensioners to Claim Their Entitlements
Families, friends, and carers are being urged to help pensioners check their eligibility and apply for support. The financial impact of Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit can make a significant difference in improving the quality of life for low-income pensioners.
With millions of pounds in unclaimed benefits, pensioners who qualify for these payments should take action as soon as possible to secure their entitlements and gain access to additional financial support.
