Each year, billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. And with record high inflation, every penny counts, so we want to help point you in the right direction and help those purse strings.
PENSION CREDIT
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Pension Credit comes in two parts. You might be eligible for one or both parts.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level and Savings Credit is extra money if you’ve got some savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It’s available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:
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Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
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Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in
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a Council Tax discount
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a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over
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help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
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help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
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a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
How do I claim Pension Credit?
To claim Pension Credit, you can either:
- claim online https://apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk/start
- claim over the phone : call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (textphone 0800 169 0133).
It is useful to have the following details to hand before applying:
- your National Insurance number
- your bank account details
- information about your income, savings and investments
- information about your pension (if you have one)
- details of any housing costs you have (such as a mortgage, interest payments or service charges)
- your partner’s details, if you have a partner.
To find out more visit: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability.
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit that you might be able to claim if you need help with care or have an illness or disability, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia.
It’s paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
You could get £61.85 or £92.40 a week to help with personal support if you’re both:
- physically or mentally disabled
- State Pension age or older
It does not cover mobility needs.
Claiming also won’t affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can actually help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
You do not have to have someone caring for you to qualify.
If you do have a carer, they could get Carer’s Allowance if you have substantial caring needs.
How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
To make a claim, you must fill out the Attendance Allowance claim form. There are a couple of ways to get your form. You can:
- call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317)
- download a claim form from the GOV UK website.
Be clear about how your illness or disability affects your life and attach any supporting information to support your claim.
Once you’ve submitted your form, the Department of Work and Pensions may contact you for more information or arrange a doctor visit.
You’ll then receive a letter about whether or not you qualify for Attendance Allowance, how much you’ll receive, and from what date. If you’re not happy with the decision, you can appeal.
