DWP explains how to qualify for Winter Fuel Payment if income's higher than £218
How to qualify for the £300 Winter Fuel Payment if your income is higher than £218 a week has been revealed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will axe the Winter Fuel Allowance for all but the poorest pensioners this year.
It is feared many households may be deterred from applying for Pension Credit - which qualifies you for the £300 sum - if they believe their income exceeds £218. Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you are single or to £332.95 if you have a partner.
But those with disabilities, who care for someone, or who have high housing costs can still qualify if their income breaches this level. An example is those who get Attendance Allowance which is a crucial payment for older people who need help and support with day-to-day activities.
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If you get it, the income threshold for qualifying for Pension Credit rises by £82 a week. Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
Those on the lower rate receive £72.65 per week, while those with more serious illnesses can get £108.55 per week. This works out as £434 a month or £5,208 a year. One Money Saving Expert reader explained: "I applied for Attendance Allowance for my husband and today the first payment was made (even before a letter arrived telling us!). He's entitled to the upper limit, which is even more than we could've hoped for.
"At the same time, I optimistically applied for a blue badge for him too and again, confirmation of this being approved arrived today! Without the advice on the MSE email we would not have even been aware of being eligible. THANK YOU MSE team."
Over a million pensioners with physical or mental health conditions in Great Britain are thought to be eligible for Attendance Allowance but not claiming it, according to new research from MSE and Policy in Practice. That's often due to misconceptions around what it is and who qualifies.