Two benefits worth up to £5,740 a year for pensioners who are ill or disabled

Many of the UK's 13 million pensioners may be oblivious to their eligibility for additional tax-free benefits, potentially boosting their annual income to nearly £18,000. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and could provide up to £5,740 in the current financial year.

The full New State Pension is now valued at £11,973, while the maximum Basic State Pension stands at £9,175. This means that someone over 66 with a long-term illness, disability or health condition could potentially receive up to £17,713 in separate payments. For pensioners on a low income, they might also qualify for Pension Credit, which could offer an extra £4,300 in financial assistance this year.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates that over 700,000 people are eligible for Pension Credit but are not claiming this income-related benefit. Similarly, it is believed that over one million pensioners qualify for Attendance Allowance, which is unaffected by income or savings, is tax-free and is not considered as income when applying for Pension Credit, reports the Daily Record.

Pension Credit currently aids 1.4 million people. It boosts weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples.

On average, it's worth £4,300 this year. If you're 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 may 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 assistance with heating bills this winter through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

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

This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until both partners reach State Pension age. Prior to 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.

Such as:

• Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
• Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and the higher rates of Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
• A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house

Older people, or their friends and family, can swiftly verify their eligibility and get an estimate of potential benefits by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK. 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.

Expert assistance and advice is also available from:

• Independent Age
• Income Max
• Citizens Advice
• Age UK

More information about claiming Pension Credit can be found on GOV.UK.

Currently, Attendance Allowance assists over 1.7 million older people across Great Britain with the additional daily living costs associated with having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. It's important to note that you do not need to have someone caring for you to make a claim.

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

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 apply for Attendance Allowance. This could include needing help with personal care, such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet, or requiring help to stay safe.

You should also apply if you struggle with personal tasks, for instance, if they take you a long time, cause you pain, or if you need physical support, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't just for people with a physical disability or illness.

You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other income you have coming in or how much you have in savings - there's no limit.

It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money deducted from any other benefits you're already claiming. You can also claim it if you're still working and earning money.

To make a claim, you will need to complete a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Complete information on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone is available on the GOV.UK website here.