Targeted support for older people

Between 2018 and 2023 we wrote to nearly 8,000 people aged over 75 who were claiming Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction who may also have been entitled to claim a disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance. After helping people make benefit claims, we raised over £10 million in previously unclaimed benefits. 

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who need help with personal care and the activities of daily living because of the effects of a disability. It can be worth up to £101.75 per week, and can also increase a persons entitlement to other benefits.

Gov.uk: Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit paid to top up  a persons pension income. Many people over age 66 are missing out because they do not realise they can claim this additional payment. Even a small weekly award of Pension Credit will entitle you to help with health costs such as glasses and dental treatment, and a free TV license if you are 75 or over. 

Recent examples of how we have helped

Mrs R had a state pension and an Army pension, but still qualified for Pension Credit of £13 per week. We helped her to make the claim online, and the welfare rights officer stayed in touch until the payments began.

Mr S had a state pension of £214 per week. Because he also gets Attendance Allowance and lives alone with no carer, he qualified for Pension Credit of £38 per week. 

Mrs D was aged 89 and lived alone, she was struggling with personal care during the day and the night. She was awarded the highest rate of Attendance Allowance, £101.75 per week. Once in receipt of Attendance Allowance she also qualified for Council Tax Reduction of £200 per year.