In Great Britain, more than ten million individuals over the State Pension age will no longer be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments but they can get financial assistance from two separate benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. From these benefits, eligible individuals can get a maximum combined amount of £9,542 yearly.
DWP £9,542 Payment
Individuals are going to face a difficult winter this year. They could also be missing out on benefits that can provide them thousands of pounds.
It is expected that more than ten million individuals over the State Pension age across Great Britain, containing 850,000 who are living in Scotland, will no longer be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments after the Labour Government changes in the eligibility requirements.
In the winter of 2024, the annual heating bill assistance of a maximum of £300 will only be provided to those who are over 66 years of age and receiving an income-related benefit like a Pension Credit. After the loss of this additional financial assistance many individuals may not be aware they could be eligible for two extra or separate benefits, total combined worth is up to £9,542 yearly.
The first benefit is Pension Credit which assists those who are over the State Pension age on a low income. This benefit can increase their yearly income by approximately £3,900 on average.
Whereas the Attendance Allowance can provide additional financial assistance of up to £434 monthly (equating to around £5,642 yearly) to those who are suffering from a long-term health condition or disability.
Who will get the Pension Credits?
Pension Credit is providing assistance to more than 1.4 million people, including 125,000 individuals living in Scotland. Pension Credit can be provided to eligible individuals through a Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
- Individuals must be a permanent resident or citizen of the United Kingdom.
- To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, individuals must be at the State Pension age (currently 66).
- Individuals’ weekly income must be less than the minimum amount that the UK Government restricts for living.
- If you are a single individual on the New State Pension with a total weekly income under £218.15 and £332.95 for a couple with a combined weekly income, then you can get the Pension Credit. If you are disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs then this amount could be higher.
Saving Credit will be provided to those who satisfy the below-listed eligibility requirements.
- Interested individuals need to be permanent residents or citizens of the United Kingdom.
- Individuals must reach the State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or individuals need to have a partner who reached the State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and already receiving this benefit.
- Individuals need to satisfy the income limit of £189.80 weekly for single individuals and £301.22 weekly for couples.
What will you receive from the pension credits?
As we know pension credit will be provided to individuals through two different ways Guarantee Credit and Saving Credit. Guarantee Credit increases individuals’ weekly income to a specific level. Individuals will also be eligible for more financial assistance if they’re disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs or expenses.
On the other hand, the Savings Credit can provide individuals with a certain amount. The exact amount that Individuals can get is based on their income and savings. To calculate the individual’s saving credit benefit amount, any amount from savings and earnings amounts over £10,000 is taken into account.
If you are eligible for Pension Credit then you can also get other benefits or assistance like Housing Benefits if you are paying rent of the property in which you live currently, a Free TV license if you are 75 or over years of age, help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital check-ups, Help with individuals heating costs via Warm Home Discount Scheme, etc.
Who will get the Attendance Allowance?
To get the benefit amount from Attendance Allowance you need to reach the State Pension age and satisfy the below listed eligibility requirements.
- Individuals need to be a permanent resident or citizen of Great Britain.
- Individuals need to have a physical disability (such as sensory disability like blindness) a mental disability (such as learning difficulties), or both.
- Individuals’ disabilities must be severe enough that they need help taking care of themselves or someone to supervise them for their or someone else’s safety.
- Individuals need to have help from someone for at least 6 months.
How to apply for an attendance allowance?
Steps to apply for attendance allowance are listed below.
- Navigate to the https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim website.
- Locate the Start Now button and then hit it.
- A claim form is displayed on the screen.
- Enter all the required details like your name, National Insurance (NI) number, sex, date of birth, residential address, nationality, city-state, phone number, etc.
- Put out the details about your disability or illness like name, suffering duration, prescribed medicine or treatment, treatment name, details about your GP surgery or medical center, etc.
- Attach all the required documents.
- Enter details about the payout receiving method like bank or financial institution name, bank account number, account holder name, etc.
- After verifying all your entered details, put out your signature, printed name, and current date.
- Submit your application form for attendance allowance.
After submitting your claim, officials will review your details and documents. If your application is approved then you will get a text or letter within 3 weeks that informs you about the final decision. The decision letter will also tell you about your first payment date.
