Thousands of pensioners could be owed up to £4,300 a year in Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) support they are not claiming. Many retirees are unaware of the full range of benefits and help available to them, from monthly Pension Credit payments to discounted or free services.
Money Helper has highlighted that certain benefits and support are only available to people over the state pension age, subject to other criteria. The state pension age is currently rising from 66 to 67, with everyone born after March 6, 1961, affected by the change.
Pension Credit: a gateway benefit
Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK, with around 910,000 eligible pensioners leaving £2.5 billion in support unclaimed, according to MSE. Many miss out because they believe they earn or save too much to qualify.
This benefit is designed to support people over the state pension age living on a low income. Pension Credit is now worth an average of £4,300 a year in payments alone, but the support does not end there.
It is known as a 'gateway benefit' because successfully claiming it can make people eligible for other support, such as free TV licences and help with NHS costs. The Gov.uk website has a Pension Credit calculator to help people find out if they might be eligible and how much they could get.
Winter Fuel Payment and health benefits
The Winter Fuel Payment provides between £100 and £300 as a one-off tax-free payment to help retirees stay warm during the winter months. To be eligible, you must be over the state pension age, but there are additional qualifying criteria that have changed over the last few years.
This winter, all pensioners are expected to receive the payment automatically, but those with an income over £35,000 will have the payment clawed back by HMRC through their taxes over the next year. State pensioners living in Scotland will not receive Winter Fuel Payments but may be eligible for the Scottish Government's Pension Age Winter Heating Payment instead.
In England, people over the age of 60 are usually entitled to free prescriptions and eye tests. They may also be eligible for help towards the cost of dental treatment, travel costs to hospital, and glasses or contact lenses.
Attendance Allowance for independent living
Pensioners with physical or mental conditions or disabilities may be eligible for Attendance Allowance payments, which can provide up to £114.60 a week. Despite the name, claimants do not need to have or be looking for an attendant in order to be eligible.
The payments can be used to get equipment or other help that will allow you to stay independent.
