How Pensioners Can Boost Income by £441 Monthly with a DWP Benefit

Are you over State Pension age and dealing with a long-term illness, disability, or condition that makes daily tasks harder? You could be missing out on up to £441 every month through a non-means-tested DWP benefit called Attendance Allowance. It’s one of the simplest ways to boost your income — and here’s how to claim it.

Benefit

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit available to older people who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental health condition. The best part? Your savings or income won’t affect your claim — so even if you’ve got a pension or money in the bank, you can still apply.

Amount

There are two payment rates depending on your level of care needs:

Level of Need	Weekly Rate	Four-Weekly Payment
Lower Rate (Day or Night care)	£73.90	£295.60
Higher Rate (Day and Night care or terminally ill)	£110.40	£441.60

This extra income could help cover the cost of taxis, a cleaner, a gardener, heating bills, or anything that helps you live independently.

Claim

To be eligible, you must:

• Be over State Pension age
• Have a disability or illness that means you need help with personal care or supervision
• Have needed help for at least six months (unless terminally ill)

You don’t need to have a carer or someone currently helping you to qualify — the focus is on whether you need the help, not if you’re receiving it.

Conditions

Attendance Allowance is paid for many different health conditions, not just physical disabilities. Some of the most common include:

• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Diabetes
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Heart disease
• Mental health conditions
• Neurological conditions (like MS or stroke)
• Chronic pain or breathing issues
• Learning difficulties

Even frailty due to age can qualify if it affects your ability to manage everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or getting in and out of bed.

Application

Applying for Attendance Allowance means filling out a detailed claim form, but don’t let that put you off. Charities like Independent Age and Citizens Advice offer help to complete it.

Here are top tips from Independent Age for getting it right:

1. Be detailed: Explain how your condition affects you day-to-day
2. Be honest: Mention how long tasks take and how much help you’d need
3. Use examples: Say what happens on both good and bad days
4. List what you avoid: If bending down is hard, say so — even for simple tasks like putting on socks
5. Explain the risks: If not getting help has caused falls or risks, include that
6. Add evidence: Letters from GPs, carers, or consultants strengthen your case
7. Don’t rush: Take your time and ask for help if needed

Extras

Getting Attendance Allowance can increase your entitlement to other benefits too. You might get:

• More Pension Credit
• A higher Housing Benefit
• A Council Tax reduction

And remember — Attendance Allowance:

• Is not taxable
• Isn’t affected by the Benefit Cap
• Won’t reduce your State Pension
• Can be claimed even if you’re still working

Application Help

To apply, you can request a claim form from the GOV.UK website or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline. If the form feels overwhelming, Citizens Advice or Independent Age can guide you through it step by step.

Also, if you’re about to reach State Pension age, consider applying for PIP (Personal Independence Payment) instead — it may offer better support, especially for mobility needs. Once you’re over State Pension age, you can’t newly claim PIP.

Exclusions

You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you’re already getting:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

If your DLA or PIP ends and you still need care, you can apply for Attendance Allowance.

Getting this benefit could provide the financial breathing space you need to stay comfortable and independent in your own home. With over 1.7 million pensioners claiming it, you’re far from alone — and you might be next.

FAQs