Millions of pensioners unaware they are missing out on up to £10,000 every year

Many of the 13 million pensioners across the UK may not realise that they could be eligible for two separate benefits worth a combined total of up to £10,040 over the current financial year. One of these benefits is not means-tested and aims to assist older people with long-term health conditions, while the other can provide additional financial support to those on a low income.

Pension Credit is designed to help those over State Pension age on a low income by boosting their annual income by an average of £4,300. Meanwhile, Attendance Allowance can offer extra financial support of up to £441.60 each month - equating to some £5,740.80 each year.

Both these payments are made separately from the State Pension, which is worth up to £230.25 each week, or £921 every four-week payment period. As reported by the Daily Record, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that more than 700,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit, but are not claiming this income-related benefit.

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It is believed 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 counted as income when claiming Pension Credit, reports Lancs Live.

Pension Credit explained

Currently, Pension Credit is assisting 1.4 million individuals. It boosts weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples.

This year, it is worth an average of £4,300. If you are 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 of less than £346.60, you might be eligible for Pension Credit.

Even an award of just £1 per week can unlock access to other financial support, including Council Tax discounts and help with heating bills this winter through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Changes for mixed age couples and Pension Credit

In May 2019, the law changed so that a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits.

This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age.

Additional support if you receive Pension Credit

If you qualify for Pension Credit, you can also get other help. The quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit is online. Older people, or their friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.

Alternatively, pensioners can ring the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

Attendance Allowance

Currently, nearly 1.7 million older people across Great Britain are assisted by the Attendance Allowance. This support helps with the additional daily living costs associated with having a physical or mental health condition, disability, or long-term illness.

It is important to note that you can make a claim even if you do not have someone caring for you.

Those over the State Pension age who claim Attendance Allowance receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. As this benefit is typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period - totalling around £5,740.80 over the 2025/26 financial year.

Who can claim?

You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night - even if you're not currently receiving that help.

You should also consider applying if you find personal tasks challenging, for example, if they take a considerable amount of time, cause discomfort, or if you require physical support, such as leaning on a chair. Bear in mind, Attendance Allowance is not solely for those with a physical disability or illness.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, which means it does not matter what other income you have or how much savings you have accumulated - there is no upper limit. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you will not have money deducted from any other benefits you're currently receiving. You can also claim it even if you are still employed and earning an income.

How to make a claim

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out a comprehensive claim form. While it may seem daunting initially, help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Complete information on how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.