Pensioners across England, Scotland, and Wales could be entitled to additional tax-free benefits that may increase their annual income to more than £18,500. Many older individuals may not realise they qualify for these financial aids, which include Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). These benefits are not means-tested and are worth either £3,988 or £5,959 this year.
Understanding the Potential Income
The full New State Pension currently stands at £12,547, while the maximum Basic State Pension is £9,614. According to the Daily Record, individuals over 66 living with a long-term illness, disability, or health condition could receive up to £18,506 per year, though this amount is 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 over 700,000 eligible individuals are not claiming Pension Credit, while more than one million pensioners are entitled to Attendance Allowance but fail to claim it.
Pension Credit Overview
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. On average, it is worth £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 under £363.25, you may be eligible.
An award of just £1 per week can unlock additional 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'—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.
Additional Help with Pension Credit
Qualifying for Pension Credit also provides access to:
- Housing Benefit if you rent your property
- 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
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service when moving house
How to Check Eligibility for Pension Credit
Older people or their friends and family can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. Alternatively, call the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234, open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm. Expert help is also available from Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice, and Age UK.
Attendance Allowance and PADP
Attendance Allowance helps over 1.7 million older people in England and Wales, while 175,750 in Scotland receive support through Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). People over State Pension age claiming these benefits receive either £76.70 (lower rate) or £114.60 (higher rate) per week, paid every four weeks. This amounts to £306.80 or £458.40 per payment period, totalling up to £5,959.20 over the 2026/27 financial year.
Who Can Claim?
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 receive that help. This includes help with personal care (dressing, eating, bathing) or staying safe. You should also apply if tasks take a long time or cause pain. These benefits are not just for physical conditions; they also cover mental health conditions, learning difficulties, and sensory conditions like deafness or visual impairment. They are not means-tested, tax-free, and exempt from the Benefit Cap. You can claim even if you are working and earning money.
How to Claim
To claim Attendance Allowance, complete a long claim form. Help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Get the form by post or phone via GOV.UK. To claim Pension Age Disability Payment, visit MYGOV.SCOT.
