Page 58 • The HERALD • 3rd April 2025 v THE NEXT HERALD IS OUT ON 24TH APRIL v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Age Concern New Forest can provide you with information and advice on a range of issues relating to older people’s rights and entitlements, local services and the support available to them and those who care for them. There are several nancial bene ts that may be available for those who are of State Pension age. These include: Attendance Allowance: this is a non-means tested bene t that provides some extra money to those who have had an illness or disability for 6 months or more and require help or supervision with their daily personal care or what the Department for the Work and Pensions refer to as ‘bodily functions’. ese can include problems with getting in and out of bed, problems with mobility, dressing and undressing, showering/ washing, problems with eating or drinking or taking medication etc. Attendance Allowance applies to people with physical or mental illnesses/disabilities, e.g. someone with an illness that a ects their memory may need prompting and reminding to wash and dress or to wear appropriate clothing, or need reminding to eat, drink or take their medication. From April 2025, the lower rate of Attendance Allowance will be £73.90 a week and the higher rate £110.40. Pension Credit: this is a means-tested bene t for older people of State Pension age. is means that what you get depends on your income and savings. ere are two parts to Pension Credit the rst being Guarantee Credit – this tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level and Savings Credit – this is a bit of extra money if you have some savings or your income is higher than the basic State Pension. You may be eligible for one or both parts. From April 2025, you may be eligible for Pension Credit Guarantee Credit if you have reached State Pension age and your weekly income is less than £227.10 for a single person or £346.60 for a couple. There are some additional amounts (premiums) that can be added to increase the amount your weekly income is made up to. For example, a single person who receives either Attendance Allowance, PIP (Personal Independence Payment) daily living component or middle or high-rate care component for DLA (Disabled Living Allowance) and no one is actually paid Carer’s Allowance (CA) or the carer element of Universal Credit to look after you, then a weekly Severe Disability premium of £82.90 could be added meaning your weekly income could be made up to £310. For a couple to bene t from this additional premium, both would need to be in receipt of Attendance Allowance. You may be eligible for Savings Credit if you reached State Pension age before 6th April 2016 (if a couple, both must have reached State Pension age before 6th April 2016). ere is not a savings Advice from Age Concern New Forest by Carol Marley, Information & Advice Coordinator Continued on page 59
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