Two DWP payments could boost pensioners' incomes by £10,040 a year
Millions of elderly people across the UK could potentially increase their income by over £10,000 annually. A significant number of the 13 million pensioners nationwide may be unaware that they could be eligible for two distinct benefits, collectively amounting to as much as £10,040 throughout the 2025/26 tax year.
One of these benefits is not means-tested and is intended to support older people with long-term health conditions, while the other provides extra financial aid to those on a low income. As highlighted by the Daily Record, Pension Credit aims to help those above State Pension age on a low income by boosting their yearly income by an average of £4,300.
On the other hand, Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) can provide additional financial support of up to £441.60 each month - totalling approximately £5,740.80 annually. Both these payments are issued separately from the State Pension, which is currently valued at up to £230.25 per week, or £921 every four-week payment period.
The full, New State Pension will be worth £11,973 this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that 760,000 individuals qualify for Pension Credit but are not claiming this income-related benefit.
Similarly, it's estimated that more than one million pensioners are eligible for Attendance Allowance, which is not affected by income or savings, is tax-free and is not considered as income when applying for Pension Credit.
Pensioners in Scotland are now eligible to apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment, which is set to replace the Attendance Allowance in the region. Comprehensive information can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here.
Pension Credit
Currently, Pension Credit is aiding 1.4 million people. It boosts weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples.
On average, it equates to £4,300 this year. If you're a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £227.10, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income less than £346.60, you could qualify for Pension Credit.
Even a modest award of £1 per week can unlock further financial support, such as the Winter Fuel Payment for 2025/26, or the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland.
Elderly individuals, or their friends and family, can quickly check eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK here.
Alternatively, pensioners can directly ring the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Attendance Allowance
At present, Attendance Allowance supports nearly 1.7 million elderly individuals across Great Britain, with the additional daily living expenses linked to having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. It's important to note that you can apply for this benefit even if you don't have a carer.
Eligible individuals over the State Pension age receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week through Attendance Allowance. As this benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle - a total of roughly £5,740.80 throughout the 2025/26 financial year.
If you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision during the day or at certain times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving such assistance - you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
This could include:
Help with personal care - such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet
Assistance to ensure your safety
You should also consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, for example, if they take a lot of time, cause discomfort, or require physical support, like leaning on a chair. It's worth noting that Attendance Allowance isn't just for those with a physical disability or illness.
You should also contemplate applying if you necessitate help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
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