Retired individuals across England, Scotland, and Wales might be unaware of additional tax-free financial assistance that could increase their annual income to more than £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.
Understanding the Benefits
The full New State Pension currently stands at £12,547, while the maximum Basic State Pension is £9,614. According to the Daily Record, those aged over 66 with a long-term illness, disability, or health condition could potentially receive up to £18,506 per year, though paid in separate instalments.
Pensioners on lower incomes may also qualify for Pension Credit, which could provide an additional £4,300 in financial assistance this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that more than 700,000 people are entitled to Pension Credit but fail to claim it.
Similarly, over one million pensioners are thought to be eligible for Attendance Allowance. This benefit is unaffected by income or savings, is entirely tax-free, and is not counted as income when claiming Pension Credit.
Pension Credit in a Nutshell
Pension Credit currently supports 1.4 million people. It tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. It is worth an average of £4,300 this year.
If you are a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £238.00, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income of less than £363.25, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock access to other financial support, including Council Tax discounts and help with heating bills through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Mixed Aged Older Couples and Pension Credit
In May 2019, the law changed so that a 'mixed age couple'—where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is 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 if You Get Pension Credit
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you can also receive:
- Housing Benefit if you rent your home
- Support for Mortgage Interest if you own your home
- Council Tax discount
- Free TV licence if you are 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
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house
Quickest Way to Check Eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234 (lines open 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 in a Nutshell
Attendance Allowance currently helps more than 1.7 million older people across England and Wales, while 175,750 in Scotland receive extra support through PADP. People over State Pension age claiming these benefits receive either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) each week, usually paid every four weeks—amounting to £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period, up to £5,959.20 over the 2026/27 financial year.
Who Can Claim?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance or PADP if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at night, even if you don't currently receive that help. This includes help with personal care (e.g., dressing, eating, bathing) or help to stay safe. You should also apply if personal tasks take a long time or cause pain. These benefits are not just for physical disabilities; you should claim if you have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition (e.g., deaf or visually impaired).
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested, so your income or savings do not matter. They are tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap. You can also claim if you are still working.
How to Make a Claim
You need to complete a long claim form for Attendance Allowance, but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Details on getting the form by post or phone are on GOV.UK. To claim Pension Age Disability Payment, visit MYGOV.SCOT.
