DWP explains how people on Attendance Allowance can get up to £300 extra

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has provided new information around Winter Fuel Payments for some people who claim Attendance Allowance

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that older individuals receiving Attendance Allowance could also be eligible for Pension Credit, which, if claimed successfully before December 21, 2024, would grant access to this year's Winter Fuel Payment — valued at between £100 and £300. Responding in writing to Labour MP Sarah Champion, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds clarified: "Pensioners in receipt of Attendance Allowance and on a low-income may qualify for Pension Credit if all other eligibility criteria are met. Moreover, pensioners on low incomes and in receipt of Attendance Allowance can qualify for an additional amount in Pension Credit, providing they meet the other eligibility criteria."

She highlighted: "Entitlement to Attendance Allowance is based on the ongoing need for frequent personal care and attention, or supervision to ensure personal safety, rather than on the individual's medical condition. It is paid out of general taxation and is a tax-free, non-contributory, and non-means-tested benefit so is not affected by other income or savings."

Furthermore, Reynolds added: "Winter Fuel Payments will continue to be paid to pensioner households with someone receiving Pension Credit or certain other income-related benefits. They will continue to be worth £200 for eligible households, or £300 for eligible households with someone aged 80 and over."

Those receiving Attendance Allowance who successfully apply for Pension Credit before December 21, 2024, will be eligible for a backdated Winter Fuel Payment. Pension Credit, the most under-claimed benefit, is designed to provide additional financial support for older people on low incomes, whether single or in couples.

Currently, around 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 in Scotland, are receiving this means-tested benefit, which could offer nearly £4,000 in extra support in the coming year. However, according to recent DWP figures, there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they're entitled to, reports the Daily Record.

Some older individuals mistakenly believe that having savings or owning their home disqualifies them from this means-tested benefit, which can also help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. An award of just £1 per week can unlock further support.

Here's an overview of the benefit, including eligibility criteria, application process, potential amounts, and where to find assistance with the form. There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of State Pension age (66) and your weekly income must be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on.

This is £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if your weekly income is topped up to these amounts by Guarantee Credit.

The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings, including assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. To check eligibility for Pension Credit, older people, or friends and family, can use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made changes to the rules for mixed age couples, meaning they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Previously, a couple could claim these benefits when just one partner reached State Pension age.

The DWP has provided a Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK to help individuals understand their potential entitlements. To use this tool, you'll need details of your earnings, benefits, pensions, savings and investments. After answering a series of questions, the calculator will display an estimate of how much benefit you could receive each week.

You can then follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. However, the calculator cannot be used if you or your partner are deferring your State Pension, own more than one property, or are self-employed.

If you have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) that are not covered by mortgage repayments or Housing Benefit, you can start your application for Pension Credit 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.

This means you could receive up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. To apply, you will need your National Insurance number, information about your income, savings and investments, and your bank account details.

If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. You can use the online service if you have already claimed your State Pension and there are no children or young people included in your claim.

To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the GOV. UK Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.