DWP offers state pensioners with one of 48 conditions extra £5,644 a year

Millions of State Pensioners may be eligible for an income boost of over £5,000 if they live with a particular health condition. Older people with long-term illnesses, disabilities or physical or mental health conditions may not realise they could qualify for support through Attendance Allowance.

In total, the DWP lists 48 conditions for which support is available. This benefit is not means-tested and can provide either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week.

As it's typically paid every four weeks, this equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period - a total of £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year. That makes it significantly more valuable than the one-off annual Winter Fuel Payment, offering an additional £5,314 in financial support.

However, if you're over 66 and on a low income, it's vital to check your entitlement to Pension Credit, which is worth approximately £4,200 annually and can provide access to other support, including help with housing costs, Council Tax and Winter Fuel Payments. To quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit, older individuals, or their friends and family, can use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK, reports the Daily Record.

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. According to the latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as of May 2024, over 1.6 million people above State Pension age were receiving additional financial aid through Attendance Allowance.

If you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance for