DWP Confirms Extra £151.60 Payment Every Four Weeks for Eligible State Pensioners

State pensioners receiving Attendance Allowance may be able to increase their Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) support by £151.60 every four weeks if their health condition has worsened and they now require more care.

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit intended to support people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability, long-term illness, or health condition.

Attendance Allowance Paid at Two Different Rates

The amount someone receives depends on how much assistance they require during the day and night.

In 2026, the two weekly Attendance Allowance rates are:

• Lower rate: £76.70 per week for people who need help or supervision during either the daytime or nighttime.
• Higher rate: £114.60 per week for people who require assistance during both the day and night.

For someone receiving the lower rate, payments amount to £306.80 every four weeks. Moving to the higher rate would increase this to £458.40 every four weeks, providing an additional £151.60.

Pensioners whose care needs have increased since their original award may therefore be eligible for the higher rate.

Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is generally available to people who have reached State Pension age, currently 66, and who need assistance because of a physical or mental health condition.

People may qualify if:

• They have reached State Pension age.
• They have a physical disability, mental health condition, sight impairment, hearing impairment, dementia, or another qualifying illness.
• They need help with personal care, including washing or dressing.
• They require supervision to remain safe during the day or night.
• They have needed this support for at least six months.

The six-month qualifying period does not apply to people who are terminally ill.

Those below State Pension age may instead be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Higher Rate Available for Greater Care Needs

The higher Attendance Allowance rate is designed for people who require regular help or supervision during both daytime and nighttime hours.

People who have been told by a medical professional that they may have 12 months or less to live can also qualify for the higher rate under the special rules for terminal illness.

The extra £151.60 every four weeks can provide additional financial support for older people whose health conditions have become more difficult to manage.

Attendance Allowance Is Not Means-Tested

One important feature of Attendance Allowance is that it is not means-tested.

This means a person’s savings or household income do not determine whether they can receive the benefit. Eligibility is primarily based on the level of care or supervision required because of a health condition or disability.

The payment is intended to help older people meet additional costs and remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible.

Martin Lewis Highlights Underclaiming

Financial campaigner Martin Lewis has previously highlighted Attendance Allowance through MoneySavingExpert, warning that many older people may not realise they are entitled to support.

He has explained that illness and disability can make everyday life more expensive while also making it harder for people to research and apply for available financial assistance.

Lewis has also suggested that potentially around one million eligible pensioners could be missing out on Attendance Allowance.

State Pension Age Set to Increase

Attendance Allowance is available once a person reaches State Pension age.

The State Pension age currently stands at 66 and is scheduled to gradually increase to 67 by 2028.

People who have not yet reached the qualifying age may need to consider other disability-related benefits, including PIP, depending on their circumstances.

How to Make an Attendance Allowance Claim

Anyone who believes they qualify for Attendance Allowance must complete the official DWP claim form.

The form can be obtained in two main ways:

• Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a paper form.
• Download the Attendance Allowance claim form from GOV.UK.

Existing claimants whose condition has worsened should also make sure the DWP is aware of changes to their care needs, as these could affect the rate of benefit they receive.

Attendance Allowance can provide valuable financial help to pensioners who need additional care or supervision because of illness or disability.

Those currently receiving the lower rate may be able to increase their payment from £306.80 to £458.40 every four weeks if their care needs have become more substantial.

Because the benefit is not means-tested, savings and household income do not prevent eligible pensioners from claiming.

Older people whose health has deteriorated should therefore check whether their current Attendance Allowance award still reflects the level of support they require.