Don't miss out on support

THERE has been a surge in the number of older people claiming Pension Credit to ensure they still get their Winter Fuel Payment, but two other key state benefits are also sitting unclaimed.

- Harvey Jones

Unlike Pension Credit, these benefits are not means-tested which means that many may be eligible without realising it.

More than a million people could be missing out on support worth more than £5,000 annually, so check if you or a loved one might be eligible.

The two benefits are called Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance.

Attendance Allowance is targeted at older people who need additional care because they have a health condition or mental or physical disability. Around 1.7million already claim but more could get help.

It could give pensioners £72.65 or £108.55 a week towards personal support. So that's a maximum of £5,644.60 a year.

Better still, if you get Attendance Allowance, you could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.