How Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance Interact
Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance are two of the most significant financial benefits available to people over State Pension age. They are both non-contributory, and — crucially — receiving Attendance Allowance can increase the amount of Pension Credit you receive through what is known as the 'severe disability addition'.
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your weekly income if it falls below a minimum threshold. It is split into two parts:
- Guarantee Credit: Tops up weekly income to a minimum of £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples (2026/27 rates)
- Savings Credit: An additional payment for people who saved for retirement (available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016)
The Severe Disability Addition to Pension Credit
If you receive Attendance Allowance at any rate, you may qualify for an additional amount added to your Pension Credit called the severe disability addition. In 2026, this is worth approximately £81.50 per week — a significant increase to your Pension Credit award.
Conditions for the Severe Disability Addition
To receive the severe disability addition, you must receive Attendance Allowance (or the daily living component of PIP at the standard or enhanced rate) AND no one must be claiming Carer's Allowance for looking after you.
Pension Credit Unlocks Other Benefits
Receiving Pension Credit also automatically qualifies you for free NHS dental treatment, free sight tests, Housing Benefit, and a full Council Tax Reduction. This makes claiming Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance together enormously valuable.
Many Eligible People Miss Out
It is estimated that around one third of people entitled to Pension Credit do not claim it. If you receive Attendance Allowance and have not checked your Pension Credit entitlement, you could be missing out on thousands of pounds each year.
Get Help Claiming Both Benefits
At Elder Care, we help clients understand and access all the benefits they are entitled to — including Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, and the full chain of benefits that follows. Contact us for a free assessment today.