DWP rule means 880,000 pensioners could be due extra £326 a month through Pension Credit

Online guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) on GOV. UK reveals that State Pension age individuals on a low income who receive Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), could be eligible for an additional £81.50 per week in Pension Credit, equating to around £326 every four-week pay period.

Similarly, couples claiming Pension Credit where one person is receiving a disability benefit, will also get an extra £81.50 each week (£326 per month). If someone receives Carer's Allowance, they may be entitled to an additional weekly Pension Credit of £45.60.

This extra Pension Credit may also be available if they are entitled to Carer's Allowance but aren't receiving it, or are being paid at a lower amount than usual, due to receiving a higher amount from another income-related benefit such as the State Pension - this is often referred to as an underlying entitlement. Nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 residing in Scotland, are currently benefiting from this means-tested support, which could provide an average of £3,900 in assistance during the upcoming year.

However, recent DWP figures suggest that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to. The new rule change to Winter Fuel Payments has made it more crucial than ever for pensioners to claim. Now, only those receiving an income-related benefit such as Pension Credit will be eligible for the annual heating bill help, which is worth between £100 and £300, reports the Daily Record.

Some older people mistakenly believe that having savings or owning their home makes them ineligible for this means-tested benefit. However, this is not the case.

The benefit can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. Even an award of just £1 per week can unlock other support.

Who is eligible for Pension Credit?

Pension Credit comes in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of State Pension age (currently 66). Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living.

This minimum is set at £218.15 for single individuals and £332.95 for couples. These amounts may be higher if you're disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.

Savings Credit is only available under specific conditions:

• you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it
• you have qualifying income of at least £189.80 a week for a single person and £301.22 a week for a couple

How much could you potentially receive?

Guarantee Credit supplements your weekly income to a certain level. You might be eligible for more if you're disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.

Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount. The exact amount you'll receive depends on your income and savings. Any income from savings and capital over £10,000 is taken into account.

Checking eligibility

To utilise the calculator on GOV. UK, you'll need details of:

• earnings, benefits and pensions
• savings and investments

You'll require the same information for your partner if you have one. You will be presented with a series of questions with multiple-choice answer options.

This includes:

• Your date of birth
• Your residential status
• Where in the UK you live
• Whether you are registered blind
• Which benefits you currently receive
• How much you receive each week for any benefits you get
• Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you
• How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions
• Any employment earnings
• Any savings, investments or bonds you have

Once you've answered these questions, a summary screen displays your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could receive each week.

All you have to do next is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim.

Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator?

You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner:

• are deferring your State Pension
• own more than one property
• are self-employed
• have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit

How to make a claim

You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months.