Urgent: Unpaid Carers Check Eligibility for £2,370 DWP Payments

Unpaid carers, particularly pensioners looking after a family member or friend, need to act fast to check their eligibility for financial benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). By verifying their eligibility, they might secure up to £2,370 annually, a crucial support amidst rising living costs. For retirees acting as informal carers, especially those facing financial challenges, understanding and accessing this support is vital.

Why Unpaid Carers Should Check Pension Credit Eligibility

The organization Carers UK highlights the struggles faced by older unpaid carers who rely heavily on low incomes. During the winter months, without adequate financial support like Pension Credit and the accompanying Carer Addition, these individuals may find it challenging to cover basic expenses. According to Carers UK, an estimated 20% of carers over the age of 65 live in poverty, compared to just 13% of non-carers.

Navigating the Benefits System for Unpaid Carers

Shockingly, only about 100,000 pensioners who are unpaid carers currently receive both Pension Credit and the Carer Addition. Carers UK is urging more pensioners to explore their eligibility for these benefits, thus maximizing their financial support opportunities. This is crucial because eligible individuals could also gain access to additional help, such as Winter Fuel Payments, housing benefits, and council tax support.

Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, stresses the immediate need for pensioners to apply for Pension Credit. “There’s no time to lose,” she emphasizes, “especially with high fuel costs hitting hard during the winter. Understanding your entitlements can significantly impact your financial stability.” Transitioning towards retirement often brings challenges, but unraveling benefit complexities shouldn’t add to the burden. Hence, reforming the application process is vital to prevent older carers from losing out on entitlements.

It’s crucial that pensioners provide unpaid care to apply for Carer’s Allowance, despite being told it likely won’t be paid if their State Pension exceeds it. This application solidifies an ‘underlying entitlement,’ potentially boosting their Pension Credit through the Carer Addition.

How to Apply for Carer Benefits and Manage Your Finances

To avail the carer top-up, pensioners must prove they spend at least 35 hours weekly caring for someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit, such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. Although your State Pension may surpass Carer’s Allowance, establishing your claim is key to accessing increased Pension Credit awards.

Given recent changes tightening the eligibility for Winter Fuel Payment, it’s now even more important to ensure you are eligible for added support. For more information, use the Government’s Pension Credit Calculator here or contact the credit claim line at 0800 99 1234.

The deadline to apply for Pension Credit to ensure receiving a Winter Fuel Payment this year is December 21, 2024. Remember, even if this date is missed, Pension Credit claims can be submitted later, though missing the Winter Fuel Payment for the current year.