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To check if you, a friend or a loved one are getting everything you’re entitled to, contact Independent Age via their freephone helpline 0800 319 6789 or their website at www.independentage.org/get-advice/money 

Pension Top-Up Campaign

Many older people in Greater Manchester are missing out on thousands of pounds each year due to unclaimed Pension Credit, Carer's Allowance and Attendance Allowance.

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PENSION CREDIT

Pension Credit gives you extra money on top of your State Pension.

What You'll get

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Pension Credit tops up:

  • your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single

  • your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner

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You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

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Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.

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You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.

If you get Pension Credit, you may also be able to get other help, including:

  • Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in

  • Winter Fuel Payment - eligibility depends on making a claim before 21st December!

  • Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in

  • a Council Tax discount

  • a free TV licence if you’re aged 75 or over

  • help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit

  • help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme

  • a discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house

Eligibility

​You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age (66) to qualify for Pension Credit.

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When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. Your income includes:

  • State Pension

  • other pensions

  • earnings from employment and self-employment

  • certain social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance

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If your income is too high, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.

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CARER'S ALLOWANCE

Carer's Allowance gives you extra money, or increases your Pension Credit, if you care for somebody else.

What You'll Get

You could get £81.90 a week if you care for someone else.

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You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.

You do not get paid extra if you care for more than one person.

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If someone else also cares for the same person as you, only one of you can claim Carer’s Allowance.

If you claim Carer's Allowance, you may also be able to get other help, including:

  • support from your local council

  • a Council Tax Reduction

  • Universal Credit if you’re on a low income or out of work

  • Pension Credit if you’re over working age

  • grants and bursaries to help pay for courses and training

Eligibility

To qualify for Carer's Allowance, you must:​

  • Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone 

  • Have a weekly income of less than £151, after tax, National Insurance, and expenses

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The person you care for must already get one of these benefits:

  • Personal Independence Payment - daily living component

  • Disability Living Allowance - the middle or highest care rate

  • Attendance Allowance

  • Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate with an Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

  • Constant Attendance Allowance at the basic (full day) rate with a War Disablement Pension

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment

  • Child Disability Payment - the middle or highest care rate

  • Adult Disability Payment - daily living component at the standard or enhanced rate

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If your State Pension is more than £81.90 a week, you will not qualify for Carer's Allowance, but you may get increased Pension Credit income.

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ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

What You'll Get

Attendance Allowance is paid weekly at 2 different rates - the one you get depends on the level of help you need.

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  • Lower rate (£72.65) - Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.

  • Higher rate (£108.55) - Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life.

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If you claim Attendance Allowance, you may also be able to get other help, including:

  • Increased Pension Credit

  • Housing Benefit

  • Council Tax Reduction

Eligibility

You can get Attendance Allowance if you’ve reached State Pension age and the following apply:

  • you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both

  • your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety

  • you have needed that help for at least 6 months

  • you do not get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

What support is available in my locality?

For advice and support related to Pension Credit and other benefits, ring Age UK's national helpline on 0800 055 6112

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Some households will receive automatic payments if you receive council tax support or housing benefit. If you are aged 66-79, you will receive £150, and £200 if you are aged 80 and over.

 

If you do not qualify for the automatic payment or the winter fuel payment, The Hardship Fund will allow eligible Manchester residents to claim £150 if aged 66-79, or £200 if aged 80 and over. For more information and support, ring the Cost of Living Advice line on 0800 023 2692

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