State pensioners are being handed a bumper 7 freebies, benefits and cash boosts in November which altogether could be worth as much as £2,678.50
Charity Age UK has warned that millions of pounds of unclaimed benefits go to waste every year, and many state pensioners even today are not taking every pound they’re entitled to and making the most of their eligibility for a range of deals, handouts, discounts et al.
At a time when many pensioners are losing their automatic right to a £200-300 Winter Fuel Payment, there’s never been a better time to assess what you could and should get.
Pension Credit
Firstly, Pension Credit. This has had a lot more attention since Labour decided to cut universal Winter Fuel Payments, as Pension Credit is now a ‘gateway’ to the £300 payments, as well as various other benefits which it already entitled you to.
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount, and generally speaking if your pension (and any other income like investment interest or rental income) pays you less than about £218 per week (or £335 in a couple), you’re probably entitled to claim Pension Credit.
In turn, this will get you:
£300 Winter Fuel Payment
If you’re claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit, you can get £300 Winter Fuel Payments, which begin to be paid in November. It’s not too late either, as you can backdate your claim to August and still get the money if you apply now.
Council Tax discount – £1,600
If you claim Pension Credit you can also get a council tax discount. The exact amount depends on your local council, but it can be anything from about £300 for a 25 percent reduction on a typical Band D bill all the way up to about £1,600 for a 100 percent discount.
Free TV Licence – £169.50
If you’re over 75 and claiming Pension Credit, you can also get £169.50 off your TV Licence bill, cutting it right down to £0.
Heating bills discount – £150
Pension Credit also enables you to claim a Warm Homes Discount of £150.
To apply for Pension Credit, call 0800 991234, as many pensioners still aren’t claiming this benefit despite being entitled to it.
Attendance Allowance – £434
Paid at a rate of £72.65 per week for the lower rate or £108.55 per week higher, this would be worth about £434 in November alone.
If you have a severe disability which means you require regular assistance day and night, you could claim the higher amount.
There are a total of 56 categories of conditions which could make you eligible.
Cold Weather Payment – £25
If the temperature where you live drops to 0C or below for seven consecutive days, you’ll be eligible for a cold weather payment. This is automatic if you’re on an eligible benefit such as Pension Credit, Income Support or Universal Credit
In total, this is £2,678.50 of freebies, discounts and financial support available to state pensioners in November.
