Many people over State Pension age could get extra £5,644 a year

Some pensioners living with a long-term health issue could receive an income boost of more than £5,000 a year. Approximately 10 million individuals over the State Pension age across Great Britain will no longer qualify for Winter Fuel Payments due to changes in eligibility rules by the UK Government.

The loss of this annual financial aid, which can be up to £300, will be felt by many households this winter. However, older people with long-term illnesses, disabilities or physical or mental health conditions may not realise they could be eligible for support through Attendance Allowance.

This benefit, which is not means-tested, is worth either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. As it is typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period - totalling £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year.

This makes it over £5,314 more valuable in extra financial support than the one-off annual Winter Fuel Payment. However, if you are over 66 and on a low income, it's crucial that you check if you are entitled to Pension Credit, which is worth around £3,900 each year and acts as a gateway benefit to other support including help with housing costs, Council Tax and Winter Fuel Payments, reports the Daily Record.

New claims for Pension Credit made before December 21, 2024, which are later successful, will also be eligible for a backdated Winter Fuel Payment.

Check eligibility for Pension Credit

To quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit, older individuals or their 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 from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of February 2024, over 1.6 million people over State Pension age were receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance.

The amount received for Attendance Allowance depends on the level of support needed and the benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses, which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance

It's crucial to note that there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance. The conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system, and PADP also supports people with these conditions.

However, this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, but rather it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. If you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website.

Key conditions eligible for support

• Severely Mentally impaired
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Haemodialysis
• Arthritis
• Trauma to Limbs
• Multi System Disorders
• Asthma
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
• Psychoneurosis
• Metabolic Disease
• Double Amputee
• Blood Disorders
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Back Pain
• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
• Parkinsons Disease
• Visual Disorders and Diseases
• Neurological Diseases
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Haemophilia
• Spondylosis
• Deaf/Blind
• Skin Disease
• Hearing Disorders
• Peripheral vascular Disease
• Malignant Disease
• Epilepsy
• Hyperkinetic Syndrome
• Frailty
• Total Parenteral Nutrition
• Renal Disorders
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Behavioural Disorder
• Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• AIDS
• Dementia
• Heart Disease
• Bowel and Stomach Disease
• Learning Difficulties
• Psychosis
• Personality Disorder
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

How to make an Attendance Allowance claim

In order to make a claim for Attendance Allowance, you will need to complete a lengthy form. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.