The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging state pensioners—especially those on low incomes or with care needs—to check their entitlement to Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. In combination, these payments can add around £14,350 a year on top of the State Pension for those who qualify. The latest official rates for 2025/26 confirm the key figures below.
What you could qualify for (2025/26 rates)
- Pension Credit (Standard Minimum Guarantee): tops up weekly income to £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple). Many recipients receive an average top-up near £83/week (≈£4,300/year), depending on income and circumstances.
- Severe disability addition within Pension Credit: £82.90/week (single), higher if both partners qualify.
- Attendance Allowance: £73.90/week (lower rate) or £110.40/week (higher rate), based on care needs for people over State Pension age.
Potential annual boost (illustrative)
| Benefit / Element | Weekly rate (max examples) | Approx. annual value |
|---|---|---|
| Pension Credit (typical average uplift) | ~£82.71 | ~£4,300 |
| Severe disability addition (PC) | £82.90 | £4,310.80 |
| Attendance Allowance (higher rate) | £110.40 | £5,740.80 |
| Total potential boost | — | ~£14,352 |
Notes: Real awards vary by income, savings and assessed care needs. Figures use 52-week conversions of current rates.
Who should check right now
- Single pensioners with weekly income below £227.10 (or couples below £346.60).
- Pensioners who need help or supervision during the day and/or at night (possible Attendance Allowance entitlement).
- Anyone already on Attendance Allowance, PIP (daily living), DLA (care component), ADP or AFIP may trigger the severe disability addition within Pension Credit.
Extra help that Pension Credit unlocks
Beyond cash top-ups, Pension Credit can be a gateway to other support such as help with housing costs, council tax and some NHS charges—valuable savings for fixed-income retirees.
How to claim (quick guide)
- Pension Credit: Have your National Insurance number, income details and savings to hand. You can apply online or by phone; backdating rules may apply.
- Attendance Allowance: Complete the AA1A claim pack. Awards depend on care needs, not mobility.
Stay scam-aware this winter
Cold-callers or texts asking for upfront fees or bank details for winter support are red flags. Winter Fuel Payments are issued automatically to eligible pensioners; always check details via official DWP/GOV.UK channels.
Key takeaways
- The combined uplift from Pension Credit, the severe disability addition, and Attendance Allowance (higher rate) can reach about £14,350 a year.
- Many eligible pensioners still don’t claim—a quick eligibility check can make a major difference to monthly budgets.
With living costs still biting, thousands of pensioners could boost their income significantly by claiming Pension Credit, checking eligibility for the severe disability addition, and applying for Attendance Allowance where care needs exist. A 15-minute check could be worth ~£14,350 a year—do it today.
