Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be missing out on additional financial support worth up to £331 every month, due to a little-known entitlement linked to existing disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
These disability-related benefits are designed to help individuals cope with the extra costs of living with a long-term illness or disability. What many recipients don’t realise is that receiving one of these benefits can open the door to further financial help, particularly through means-tested benefits like Pension Credit.
Unlocking Pension Credit with Disability Benefits
This Article Includes
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up weekly income to a minimum level. For the financial year 2023-24, the threshold is £201.05 for single pensioners and £306.85 for couples. Yet according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), over 850,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming their entitlement. Many may be unaware that receiving Attendance Allowance, PIP, or ADP could entitle them to a higher award or allow them to qualify altogether.
One key aspect of Pension Credit is known as the “Severe Disability Addition.” Pensioners who receive Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of PIP, or the daily living component of ADP — and meet other conditions — can receive an extra weekly amount of £76.40. This translates to more than £331 per month, or around £915 annually, for each eligible individual.
Eligibility Criteria for the Extra Amount
The Severe Disability Addition is available through Pension Credit or Housing Benefit. To qualify for this extra support, a person must:
– Be receiving Attendance Allowance, PIP (daily living component), or ADP (daily living component).
– Live alone, or be treated as living alone (certain exceptions apply).
– No one must be claiming Carer’s Allowance or the Carer’s Element of Universal Credit to care for them.
In a scenario where both members of a couple meet these conditions, they can receive double the additional amount — over £662 per month collectively.
Real-World Impact
This addition can make a significant difference to pensioners living on low incomes. Many face increasing costs due to rising utility bills, food prices, and healthcare needs. For example, a single pensioner receiving only a State Pension of £169 per week and qualifying for Attendance Allowance could be entitled to Pension Credit to top up their income and gain the Severe Disability Addition.
Additionally, Pension Credit is often a gateway to many other forms of support. Those who qualify may be eligible for:
– Full Council Tax reduction
– Free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests
– Warm Home Discount worth £150
– Help with housing costs, such as rent or ground rent
– Free TV licence for over-75s
How to Apply
Pensioners can check their eligibility and apply for Pension Credit via the DWP website or by calling the Pension Credit claim line. Family members or carers can also help someone start the claim process on their behalf.
Applications can be made by:
– Calling 0800 99 1234 (Pension Credit claim line)
– Applying online through the Gov.uk website
– Posting a completed application form (downloadable from the government site)
Applicants should have details of their income, savings, and any benefits they receive, as well as their National Insurance number and banking information.
Importance of Widespread Awareness
Charities supporting older people, including Age UK, have long highlighted the issue of under-claimed benefits among pensioners. According to them, the biggest barrier is often simply a lack of awareness or misconceptions about eligibility. Some people wrongly believe they won’t qualify because they have a small savings pot or because they already receive a State Pension.
In reality, even a modest amount of savings or a private pension does not rule someone out. Because Pension Credit includes both guaranteed and savings credit parts, individuals with slightly higher incomes or assets may still qualify for a reduced amount or related benefits.
The Role of Attendance Allowance and Disability Benefits
Attendance Allowance is specifically for those over State Pension age with a long-term illness or disability that impacts daily life. It does not require a mobility test and is not means-tested, which means claiming it won’t affect other income or benefits.
Similarly, PIP and ADP are non-means-tested benefits available to people under State Pension age — though individuals who started receiving them before reaching this age can continue to do so. Receipt of these benefits also makes claimants eligible for the Severe Disability Addition if other criteria are met.
Take Action Before Costs Rise Further
With the cost of living continuing to challenge older households, experts warn that many are struggling unnecessarily. A simple benefit check could lead to significant monthly or yearly boosts in income — potentially more than £4,000 per year once all entitlements are considered.
Organisations like Citizens Advice and Age UK offer free benefit checks and can help people understand what they might qualify for and guide them through the claims process.
Conclusion
If you or someone you care for is receiving Attendance Allowance, PIP, or ADP, and is over State Pension age, it is worth checking entitlement to Pension Credit including the extra Severe Disability Addition. This could lead to an additional £331 or more per month, easing the worry of escalating costs and providing access to further forms of support.
With awareness and action, more pensioners can receive the help they deserve.
