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

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

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.