Many of the 13 million pensioners in Scotland, England and Wales could be missing out on additional tax-free benefits that might boost their annual income to over £18,500. Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) are not means-tested and are worth either £3,988 or £5,959 this year.
The full New State Pension now stands at £12,547, while the maximum Basic State Pension is £9,614. This means someone over 66 with a long-term illness, disability, or health condition could receive up to £18,506 annually through separate payments.
For pensioners on a low income, Pension Credit could provide an extra £4,300 in financial help this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates over 700,000 eligible people are not claiming Pension Credit, and more than one million pensioners are eligible for Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance in Scotland
Pensioners in Scotland can only claim Pension Age Disability Payment, which has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance north of the border. Eligibility and payment rates follow the same structure as Attendance Allowance.
Pension Credit Overview
Pension Credit currently supports 1.4 million people, including 125,000 in Scotland. It tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples, averaging £4,300 this year. If you are a single person on the New State Pension with total weekly income below £238.00, or part of a couple with combined weekly income under £363.25, you may be eligible.
An award of just £1 per week unlocks other support, including Council Tax discounts and help with heating bills through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Mixed Age Couples and Pension Credit
Since May 2019, a 'mixed age couple' (one partner of State Pension age and the other under it) are considered a 'working age' couple for means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both reach State Pension age.
Other Help with Pension Credit
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you may also get:
- Housing Benefit if you rent
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own your home
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence if aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments
- Help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme
- Discount on Royal Mail redirection service when moving house
Quickest Way to Check Eligibility
Use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or call the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 (8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday). Expert help is also available from Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
Attendance Allowance and PADP Details
Attendance Allowance helps over 1.7 million older people in England and Wales, while 175,750 in Scotland receive PADP. Claimants receive either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) weekly, usually paid every four weeks (£306.80 or £458.40), totaling up to £5,959.20 for the 2026/27 financial year.
You should apply if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision during the day or night, even if you don't currently get that help. This includes help with personal care (dressing, eating, bathing) or staying safe. It also applies if you have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions like deafness or visual impairment.
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested, tax-free, and exempt from the Benefit Cap. You can claim even if you are still working.
To claim Attendance Allowance, complete the claim form from GOV.UK. For Pension Age Disability Payment, visit MYGOV.SCOT.
