If you’re finding it tough to cover rising living costs, or need extra help because of your age, illness, or disability — here’s some good news. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers financial benefits that could be worth up to £1,708 a month if you’re eligible.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through three of the most valuable benefits available: Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
I’ll explain who qualifies, how much you could get, and how to claim it — plus share a few useful resources to help along the way. Let’s look in.
Benefits
Here’s a simple look at the three benefits and what they offer:
| Benefit | Eligibility | Monthly Amount | How to Claim | Official Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pension Credit | Over 66, low income | Up to £1,708 per month | Online, phone or post | Pension Credit – GOV.UK |
| Attendance Allowance | Over 65, need care | £72.65–£108.55 per week | By post or online | Attendance Allowance – GOV.UK |
| Personal Independence Payment | Under 66, long-term illness/disability | £72.65–£179.55 per week | By phone and post, with assessment | PIP – GOV.UK |
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over State Pension age whose income falls below a certain level. It helps top up your weekly income so you can better manage day-to-day costs.
There are two parts to it:
- Guarantee Credit: Tops up your income to at least £201.05 a week for single people and £306.85 for couples.
- Savings Credit: An extra boost for those with modest savings — up to £14.48 a week for singles or £16.20 for couples.
Depending on your situation, Pension Credit could be worth as much as £1,708 a month. The exact amount you get depends on your income, savings, and circumstances.
To claim, you can apply online via the GOV.UK website, over the phone, or by post. You’re also allowed to backdate your claim by three months if you were eligible earlier but hadn’t applied yet. If you need help, charities like Age UK or Citizens Advice are great places to turn to.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is for people aged 65 and over who need help with personal care because of a disability or illness. It covers things like getting dressed, eating, or moving around safely. If you need regular support, you could be entitled to this.
There are two payment rates:
- £72.65 per week if you need care during either the day or night.
- £108.55 per week if you need care both day and night, or if you’re terminally ill.
To claim, download a form from GOV.UK, fill it in, and send it by post. If you’re not sure how to complete the paperwork, organisations like Age UK and Citizens Advice can guide you through it.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP is a benefit for people under State Pension age with a long-term illness or disability. It’s not based on income or savings, and it’s designed to help cover the extra costs of living with a disability.
There are two parts:
- Daily Living Component: For help with daily activities like washing, dressing, or cooking.
- Mobility Component: If you need support getting around.
Here’s how much you could get:
- Daily Living: £72.65 (standard) or £108.55 (enhanced) per week.
- Mobility: £26.90 (standard) or £71.00 (enhanced) per week.
If you’re eligible for both components at the highest rates, that’s around £179.55 a week — or over £1,000 a month.
To claim, call 0800 917 2222 to start your application. You’ll be sent a form to fill in and may need a health assessment as part of the process. It can take a few weeks, so it’s worth getting the ball rolling as soon as you can.
Resources
If you’re unsure about what you might be entitled to, or need a hand claiming benefits, don’t worry — there’s plenty of free support available:
- Benefits Calculators: Free tools online to quickly check your eligibility for multiple benefits.
- Charities: Age UK, Disability Rights UK, and Citizens Advice all offer help with filling out forms and claiming benefits.
- Local Councils: Many councils run welfare rights services that can assist you with applications for things like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eligible for any of these benefits, don’t put it off. This money’s there to help with daily costs and give you a bit more peace of mind. Check what you qualify for, get those applications in, and reach out for free advice if you need it. There’s no good reason to miss out.
FAQs
What is Pension Credit?
A benefit topping up income for people over State Pension age.
Who can claim Attendance Allowance?
Anyone over 65 needing care due to illness or disability.
How much is PIP worth each week?
Between £72.65 and £179.55, depending on your care and mobility needs.
Do savings affect Attendance Allowance?
No, it’s not means-tested so savings won’t affect your claim.
How do I claim PIP?
Call 0800 917 2222 to start your application and get a form.
