State pensioners warned over eligibility rules change for £480 payments

State pensioners have been urged to do a quick DWP check that could boost their income by over £5,700. Benefits experts warn that many older people are missing out on Attendance Allowance, which can be worth around £480 a month.

The benefit is available to people of state pension age, if you have a health condition or disablility where you need another person's help to get by. The DWP benefit pays £73.90 or £110.40 a week, adding up to £3,842.80 or £5,740.80 a year.

It's worth bearing in mind that as you have to be of state pension age to get the support, the qualifying rules will effectively change next year. This is because the state pension age is increasing gradually from 66 to 67 and then 68, between April 2026 and April 2028.

Rebecca Lamb, external relations manager at free financial support charity Money Wellness, said it's a "real shame" that, according to estimates, over a million pensioners miss out on the support. She explained why this can happen: "From what we see, a lot of people assume they won't qualify because they live with family, only need help during the day, or already receive other support - but that isn't the case.

"Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so even if you have savings or a pension, you could still be eligible. It's your care needs that matter, not your income." She spoke about some of the other reasons people don't get what they are due.

Ms Lamb said: "Many people also miss out because they underestimate their care needs, think the application process is too complicated, or simply haven't heard about the benefit. While carers often focus on the person they're supporting and forget to check if they qualify themselves."

Claiming the benefit can increase how much you get through other Government schemes, such as Pension Credit or Council Tax Support. The expert said that groups who are most likely to miss out on the benefit are those who live alone, carers whose focus is on the person the support, and people who simply quietly soldier on with doing their daily tasks

The financial expert urged: "If you're over 65 and need help with washing, dressing, or managing medication, it's well worth checking whether you're eligible. There are lots of free online benefit checking tools, including one on our website."

How can I claim Attendance Allowance?

You can start your claim online through the gov.uk website or you can apply by post, by printing off and filling in the claim form and sending it off.

You can also request a claim form to be sent out to you by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.