Millions of older people across the UK could boost their income by more than \u00a310,000 a year. Many of the 13 million pensioners across the UK might not realise they could be entitled to two separate benefits, collectively worth up to \u00a310,040 over the 2025\/26 financial year.<\/p>\n
One of these benefits is not means-tested and is designed to assist older people with long-term health conditions, while the other offers additional financial support to those on a low income<\/a>. As reported by the Daily Record<\/a>, Pension Credit aims to aid those above State Pension age<\/a> on a low income by increasing their annual income by an average of \u00a34,300.<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance<\/a> or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) can offer extra financial assistance of up to \u00a3441.60 every month – equating to some \u00a35,740.80 each year. Both these payments are disbursed separately from the State Pension<\/a>, which is currently valued at up to \u00a3230.25 each week, or \u00a3921 every four-week payment period. The full, New State Pension<\/a> will be worth \u00a311,973 this year.<\/p>\n The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP<\/a>) estimates that 760,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit but are not claiming this income-related benefit.<\/p>\n Similarly, it’s believed that more than one million pensioners are eligible for Attendance Allowance<\/a>, which is not influenced by income or savings, is tax-free and is not considered as income when applying for Pension Credit.<\/p>\n Pensioners in Scotland can now apply for Pension Age Disability Payment – the benefit replacing Attendance Allowance<\/a> north of the border. Full details can be found on MYGOV.SCOT here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pension Credit<\/p>\n Pension Credit is currently assisting 1.4 million people. It supplements weekly earnings to a guaranteed minimum level of \u00a3227.10 for single pensioners or \u00a3346.60 for couples.<\/p>\n On average, it amounts to \u00a34,300 this year. If you’re a single person on the New State Pension<\/a> with a total weekly income below \u00a3227.10, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income less than \u00a3346.60, you might be eligible for Pension Credit.<\/p>\n A mere award of \u00a31 per week can unlock access to additional financial aid, including the Winter Fuel Payment<\/a> for 2025\/26, or the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland.<\/p>\n Elderly people, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Alternatively, pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.<\/p>\n Attendance Allowance<\/p>\n Currently, Attendance Allowance<\/a> aids nearly 1.7 million elderly people across Great Britain, with the extra daily living costs associated with having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.<\/p>\n People over the State Pension<\/a> age who are eligible for Attendance Allowance<\/a> receive either \u00a373.90 (lower rate) or \u00a3110.40 (higher rate) weekly. Given that this benefit is typically disbursed every four weeks, this equates to either \u00a3295.60 or \u00a3441.60 per payment cycle – a total of approximately \u00a35,740.80 throughout the 2025\/26 fiscal year.<\/p>\n You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance<\/a> if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision during the day or at certain times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving such help.<\/p>\n This could encompass:<\/p>\n You should also apply if you encounter difficulties with personal tasks, for instance, if they consume a lot of time, cause discomfort, or necessitate physical support, like leaning on a chair. Attendance Allowance<\/a> isn’t exclusively for people with a physical disability or illness.<\/p>\n You should also consider applying if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night and have:<\/p>\n\n
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