Pensioners could be missing out on £2,600 this winter | Personal Finance | Finance
State pensioners could be eligible for seven additional benefits this winter, totalling £2,678.50, but they’ll need to take action to claim their share. Age UK has highlighted that millions of pounds go unclaimed each year, urging people to claim every penny they’re entitled to and maximise the handouts or discounts.
Starting with the more seasonal payments, Age UK pointed out many pensioners might be unknowingly eligible for the Warm Homes Discount. This £150 discount is applied to your bills by your energy supplier.
It will usually be automatic but pensioners in Scotland on a low income may need to apply for the discount, individual suppliers in the country may also have differing qualifying criteria – so it will be worth double-checking your eligibility.
Next up, the Cold Weather Payments is not exclusive to pensioners but it is an automatic payment if you’re claiming Pension Credit, Income Support, Universal Credit or a few other qualifying benefits.
This £25 payment is triggered if your postcode experiences temperatures at zero degrees Celsius or lower for seven consecutive days.
When it comes to DWP benefits, some are specifically available to those above state pension age, including Attendance Allowance. Despite its name, you don’t need a carer to qualify for this benefit, which offers up to £434 a month to cover the extra costs of living with a disability.
The rate varies depending on how much help you need from others or medical aids, and there are 56 eligible condition categories. Many people have recently become aware of Pension Credit, which can provide up to £3,900, thanks to new Winter Fuel Payment eligibility rules.
However, Pension Credit also serves as a “gateway” to other benefits, freebies, and support, such as the £200 or £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
Additionally, Age UK notes that many pensioners may be eligible for Council Tax discounts if they’re on a low income or claiming certain benefits, with potential discounts ranging from £300 to £1,600 per year, depending on the local council.
Pensioners aged 75 and over who claim Pension Credit can also bag free TV licences, pocketing a saving of £169.50 annually. But the perks don’t end there.
If you’ve been eligible for a free TV licence but didn’t know, you could be in line for a refund on your licence fees. This will be worked out as part of your application to the TV Licensing authority.
