DWP Highlights Benefits Worth Over £10,000 for Pensioners

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that many of the approximately 13 million pensioners in the United Kingdom may be eligible for two significant benefits, potentially worth up to £10,040 annually. These benefits include Pension Credit, which is aimed at low-income individuals, and Attendance Allowance, designed to support those with long-term health conditions.

Pension Credit provides a vital income boost to pensioners over State Pension age. On average, recipients receive an additional £4,300 per year. Attendance Allowance can further enhance financial support by offering up to £441.60 each month, totaling approximately £5,740.80 annually. Both of these payments are separate from the State Pension, which currently provides up to £230.25 each week, or £921 for a four-week payment period.

According to the DWP, over 700,000 pensioners are eligible for Pension Credit but are not claiming this essential benefit. In addition, it is estimated that more than one million pensioners qualify for Attendance Allowance. This benefit is not influenced by income or savings, is tax-free, and does not count as income when applying for Pension Credit.

Understanding Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance plays a crucial role for nearly 1.7 million older individuals across Great Britain, helping them manage the extra daily living costs associated with physical or mental health conditions. Notably, individuals do not need a carer to apply for this allowance.

Pensioners claiming Attendance Allowance can receive either £73.90 per week at the lower rate or £110.40 at the higher rate. Payments are typically made every four weeks, resulting in either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period, equating to the previously mentioned annual figure for the 2025/26 financial year.

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, applicants must have a disability or illness that necessitates assistance or supervision during the day or night. This can include help with personal care tasks, mobility, or safety. Importantly, the allowance is available to those with both physical and mental health conditions, as well as sensory impairments.

Eligibility and Application Process

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning income or savings do not impact eligibility. Even those still working can claim this benefit. While the application process involves completing a detailed claim form, support is accessible through organizations such as Citizens Advice and Independent Age. More information about the application process can be found on the GOV.UK website.

In addition to Pension Credit, which currently supports over one million individuals, eligible pensioners are guaranteed a minimum weekly income of £227.10 for singles and £346.60 for couples. Even a minimal award of just £1 per week can unlock access to other financial aids, including Council Tax discounts and assistance with heating bills through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Significant changes were made in May 2019 regarding mixed-age couples, where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is younger. Such couples are now regarded as working-age for means-tested benefits, disallowing claims for Pension Credit or pension-age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age.

Pension Credit recipients can also access various additional supports, including Housing Benefit, mortgage interest support, discounts on Council Tax, free TV licenses for those aged 75 or over, and assistance with NHS dental treatment and transport costs for hospital appointments.

For older individuals, or their friends and family, checking eligibility and estimating potential benefits can be done easily using the online Pension Credit calculator available on the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, individuals can contact the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234, with lines open from 08:00 to 18:00, Monday to Friday.