Winter Fuel Payment Cuts

The recent changes announced by the Chancellor have sparked widespread concern. From winter 2024-2025, Winter Fuel Payments, which can provide up to ï¿¡300, will be restricted to pensioners receiving means-tested benefits, such as Pension Credit. As the cold months approach and we start thinking about switching on the central heating, this change serves as a crucial reminder for all pensioners on State Pension to ensure they are claiming the benefits they are entitled to.

This change has heightened awareness among pensioners about the importance of accessing the full range of benefits available to them. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging pensioners across the UK to apply for Pension Credit, which could boost their income by up to ï¿¡3,900 annually. Additionally, pensioners with health conditions or disabilities should check their eligibility for Attendance Allowance, which helps cover the extra costs of care and support.

At Grey Matters Consultancy, we are here to help pensioners navigate the claims process, ensuring no one misses out on this vital financial support.

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that provides additional income to pensioners with low earnings. Shockingly, 1 in 3 eligible pensioners do not claim this support. The benefit has two parts:

• Guarantee Credit: Tops up weekly income to ï¿¡218.15 for a single person or ï¿¡332.95 for a couple.
• Savings Credit: Available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and have some savings or modest income. It provides up to ï¿¡17.01 per week for a single person and ï¿¡19.04 for a couple.

In addition to the financial boost, Pension Credit opens the door to other benefits, such as help with council tax, a free TV licence for those over 75, free NHS dental treatment, and eligibility for Cold Weather Payments.

Attendance Allowance: Financial Help for Health Conditions

Pensioners with long-term health conditions or disabilities may qualify for Attendance Allowance, which helps cover the extra costs of care. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and won’t affect other benefits, such as Pension Credit. It is paid at two rates:

• Lower rate: ï¿¡72.65 per week for those needing help during the day or night.
• Higher rate: ï¿¡108.55 per week for those needing help both during the day and night or with a terminal illness.

Attendance Allowance can also provide access to additional support, such as council tax reductions.

How Grey Matters Consultancy Can Help

At Grey Matters Consultancy, we specialise in helping pensioners access the benefits they are entitled to. The application process for benefits can be overwhelming, but we make it straightforward. Our services include:

• Eligibility checks: We help you determine if you qualify for Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and other benefits.
• Application assistance: We fill out the application forms on your behalf, ensuring everything is completed properly and accurately.
• Personalised advice: We provide tailored advice to suit your unique circumstances.

We offer a free 30-minute consultation to assess your eligibility. For those who wish to proceed, we offer a comprehensive service to complete the forms for you, ensuring everything is done correctly.

Why It’s Important to Claim

Pensioners who do not claim benefits such as Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance are missing out on essential financial support that could ease the strain of everyday living costs. These benefits help with basic needs, care costs, and heating bills, providing a more comfortable and financially secure retirement.

At Grey Matters Consultancy, our goal is to reduce the stress of applying for benefits and give you peace of mind, knowing you’re receiving all the support you’re entitled to.

If you or someone you know might be eligible, get in touch for a free consultation to see how we can help you claim the benefits you deserve.