Some pensioners could be entitled to an extra £86 weekly payment from the Government. This payment is part of the Pension Credit system and is specifically aimed at those who live with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For those who meet the criteria, the supplement adds up to approximately £344.20 over a standard four-week payment cycle.
The extra disability element of Pension Credit is available to pensioners on lower incomes who already receive certain health-related benefits. To qualify for this weekly top-up, a person must be in receipt of Attendance Allowance or the middle or highest rate of the care component for Disability Living Allowance.
In Scotland, the payment applies to residents claiming Pension Age Disability Payment, which is the devolved benefit currently replacing Attendance Allowance.
Pension Credit acts as a safety net by topping up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. For the 2026/27 tax year, this threshold is set at £238.00 per week for single pensioners and £363.25 for couples. If both members of a couple reach the State Pension age and qualify for the disability element, their joint weekly payment could increase by £172.10.
In a report shared last year, the Work and Pensions Committee published a report in which it shared that up to 700,000 households eligible for Pension Credit are currently not claiming.
Those who receive Pension Credit may become eligible for help with Council Tax, Housing Benefit, and even a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over. It can also provide help with the cost of NHS dental treatment, glasses, and travel to hospital appointments
Pensioners can verify their eligibility and estimate their potential payments by using the online calculator provided on the GOV.UK website.
Applications can be submitted up to four months before reaching State Pension age, and claims can often be backdated by up to three months. For direct assistance, the Pension Credit helpline is available to take applications over the phone from Monday to Friday.