DWP Benefit Uplift Could Add £146 a Month to State Pensioners’ Income

Many state pensioners in the UK may be missing out on extra money by not updating their benefit claims. In particular, those receiving Attendance Allowance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could see their income rise by as much as £146 per month if their circumstances have changed.

In this article, we explain the details, eligibility, how the uplift works, and exactly what steps to take.

What Is Attendance Allowance & Who Qualifies?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit paid by DWP (or relevant authority) for people over state pension age (currently 66) who require help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.

Key eligibility points:

• You must be at or beyond state pension age (66).
• You must need regular help or supervision with personal care or safety, or have a condition requiring oversight.
• Generally, you must have needed help for at least six months, unless you are terminally ill (in which case you may qualify immediately).
• Your income or savings do not affect this benefit—they will not reduce or block your claim.
• Claiming Attendance Allowance can potentially enhance other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.

How the £146 Monthly Increase Is Possible

Many people receiving Attendance Allowance might be on the lower rate when in fact their health or care needs have worsened. If that is the case, they can ask DWP to review their circumstances and possibly move them to the higher rate, leading to a significant uplift in payments.

Current (2025/26) Rates

Rate Category	Weekly Amount	Monthly Equivalent*
Lower rate	£73.90	~ £295.60
Higher rate	£110.40	~ £441.60
Difference	—	~ £146.00 increase

*Monthly equivalent is four-weekly basis (i.e. 4 × weekly rate).
These rates reflect the 1.7% increase applied in April 2025.

Thus, a pensioner on the lower rate (£73.90/week) currently receives about £295.60 every 4 weeks. If upgraded to the higher rate (£110.40/week), they would receive £441.60 every 4 weeks—a gain of £146 in that 4-week period.

Circumstances You Must Report to DWP

To qualify for the review and possible uplift, you must inform DWP if there has been a change in circumstances. DWP lists nine changes which may affect your Attendance Allowance entitlement:

1. Change in level of care needed (you now require more help or supervision)
2. Entering hospital or care home (you must report dates, address, funding)
3. A medical professional states you may have 12 months or less to live
4. You leave the UK for more than four weeks
5. You go to prison
6. You change name, address, or bank details
7. You wish to stop receiving the benefit
8. Your doctor’s details change
9. A change in your immigration status (if not a British citizen)

If one or more of these apply, you should notify DWP by helpline, textphone, or Relay UK.

Important caution: A review could, in rare cases, reduce your benefit. Always ask for advice before making a request.

Steps to Claim or Request a Review

1. Obtain the Attendance Allowance form by calling 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317).
2. Complete the form with detailed explanations of what help you need (and don’t need), frequency, times of day, etc.
3. If your condition or care needs increased, tick or explain that on the form or in a covering letter and request a review.
4. Submit supporting medical evidence (e.g. GP or consultant letters, care plans, prescription lists).
5. DWP assesses your claim—if unclear, you may be asked to attend a medical assessment.
6. Await the decision letter—if the higher rate is granted, the extra amount applies from the date the claim or review request was made (provided paperwork is timely).

Additional Benefits & Impacts

• Because Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, it does not reduce your State Pension or other non-means-tested benefits.
• However, it can trigger increases in means-tested benefits (e.g. Pension Credit, Housing Benefit).
• If you live in Scotland, note that Attendance Allowance is being replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment for new claims from April 2025. Existing claimants will be automatically transferred.

For many state pensioners currently on the lower rate of Attendance Allowance, there lies a valuable opportunity: by prompting DWP to review a change in your health or care needs, you could increase your benefit by around £146 every four weeks.

Because Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, it won’t affect your pension or many other benefits—and may even unlock additional financial support.

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