Millions of pensioners in Scotland, England and Wales could be missing out on tax-free benefits that can lift their annual income above £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.
How the Payments Add Up
The full New State Pension is worth £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 potentially receive up to £18,506 a year, paid in separate amounts.
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 more than 900,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit but are not claiming it.
Attendance Allowance and PADP Explained
Attendance Allowance currently helps more than 1.7 million older people across England and Wales, while 186,390 in Scotland receive extra support through PADP. People over State Pension age claiming either benefit receive £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) each week. Paid every four weeks, this amounts to £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period – some £5,959.20 over the 2026/27 financial year.
In Scotland, pensioners can only claim Pension Age Disability Payment, which has replaced all new claims for Attendance Allowance. Eligibility and payment rates follow the same structure as Attendance Allowance.
Who Can Claim and How
You should apply if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at night – even if you don't currently get that help. This includes help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, bathing or going to the toilet, as well as help to stay safe. Claims are also valid for mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions like deafness or visual impairment.
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested, so savings and other income don't affect eligibility. They are tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. You can claim even if you're still working.
To claim Attendance Allowance, you need to complete a long claim form, with help available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. For PADP, visit MYGOV.SCOT. Pension Credit claims can be made via the online calculator on GOV.UK or by calling the helpline on 0800 99 1234, open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
