State pensioners who claim two benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) are set to be handed £772 next month. One group who could claim extra support potentially worth over £772 a month is low-income pensioners with health conditions or disabilities.
This boost would come from the disability benefit Attendance Allowance and the disability element of Pension Credit. As part of the annual uprating exercise, from April the disability element of Pension Credit will rise from £81.50 per week to £82.90. This amounts to £331.60 every four-week pay period, up from £326.
And a couple claiming Pension Credit where one person is claiming a disability benefit, will also receive an extra £82.90 each week and if someone is paid Carer’s Allowance they may be entitled to extra weekly Pension Credit of £45.60 – rising to £46.40 from April 7.
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The shake up means if you were eligible for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance – as well as the disability element of Pension Credit – from next month you could get an extra £772 a year, on top of your original Pension Credit payment.
The latest figures from the DWP suggest there are still 7600,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to.
Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples.
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are currently open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
