Older People With Long-Term Health Conditions Could Get £5,959 Extra in 2026 — Check If You Qualify

More than 1.7 million people over State Pension age across Great Britain are set to receive up to £458 per month in extra financial support from April — potentially adding £5,959 a year to their income.

The boost comes from Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), two non-means-tested benefits paid to older people living with a long-term illness, disability, or physical or mental health condition.

Crucially, these payments are separate from the State Pension and can be claimed regardless of income or savings.

What Are Attendance Allowance and PADP?

Attendance Allowance (paid by the DWP) and Pension Age Disability Payment (paid by Social Security Scotland) are designed to help cover the extra costs of long-term health conditions, including:

• Personal care needs

• Mobility limitations

• Supervision or support during the day or night

• Ongoing physical or mental health conditions

They are not linked to National Insurance contributions and do not depend on whether you receive the State Pension.

How Much Could You Receive Each Month?

Currently, the payments are made at two weekly rates, depending on the level of care or supervision required.

Current Rates (2025/26):

• Lower rate: £73.90 per week

• Higher rate: £110.40 per week

Because the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this equates to:

• £295.60 per payment period (lower rate)

• £441.60 per payment period (higher rate)

Over a full year, this adds up to as much as £5,740 in additional income.

April Increase: Payments Rising to £5,959 Per Year

From 6 April 2026, both Attendance Allowance and PADP will increase by 3.8%, following annual benefit uprating.

New Rates From April 2026:

• Lower rate: £76.70 per week

• Higher rate: £114.60 per week

That means four-weekly payments will rise to:

• £306.80 (lower rate)

• £458.40 (higher rate)

Over the 2026/27 financial year, eligible pensioners could receive up to £5,959 to help manage the costs of long-term health conditions.

How Many People Are Already Claiming?

Across Great Britain:

• Over 1.7 million people currently receive Attendance Allowance or PADP

• Including around 155,000 pensioners in Scotland

Experts believe many more eligible pensioners are missing out, often because they assume the benefit is means-tested or requires a formal disability diagnosis.

How This Benefit Can Combine With the State Pension

Attendance Allowance and PADP are paid on top of the State Pension, not instead of it.

From April 2026:

• Full New State Pension: £241.30 per week

• Four-weekly payment: £965.20

• Annual value: ~£12,546

If combined with the higher Attendance Allowance/PADP rate (£458.40), an eligible pensioner could receive:

👉 Around £1,423 per month in total income

These payments are made separately, but together can significantly improve financial stability in later life.

What About the Basic State Pension?

Not everyone receives the New State Pension.

Current Basic State Pension:

• £176.45 per week

• £705.80 every four weeks

From April 2026:

• £184.90 per week

• £739.65 every four weeks

Attendance Allowance and PADP can still be claimed alongside the Basic State Pension, regardless of contribution history.

Who Is Eligible for Attendance Allowance or PADP?

You may qualify if you:

• Are over State Pension age

• Have a long-term physical or mental health condition

• Need help with personal care or supervision

• Have required support for at least six months (unless terminally ill)

You do not need:

• A formal carer

• A specific diagnosis

• To be receiving other benefits

Why This Benefit Is Often Overlooked

Many pensioners miss out because:

• The benefit name is misleading

• It’s wrongly assumed to be means-tested

• People believe it’s only for severe disabilities

• Claims must be initiated — it’s not automatic

Advisers frequently describe Attendance Allowance as one of the most under-claimed benefits for older people.

Important Financial Considerations

• Attendance Allowance and PADP are tax-free

• They may increase entitlement to Pension Credit

• They can unlock:

  • Council Tax Reduction

  • Housing Benefit

  • Cold Weather Payments

This makes them particularly valuable for pensioners on fixed or modest incomes.

Final Thoughts: A Major Boost for Older People With Health Conditions

With payments rising to nearly £6,000 a year, Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment offer significant, ongoing financial support for older people managing long-term health issues.

For pensioners — or families supporting them — checking eligibility could result in hundreds of pounds per month in extra income, without affecting savings or pension payments.