More than one million older people across Britain could be entitled to extra financial support worth as much as £110.40 a week, but are not claiming it.
Government figures suggest around 1.1 million pensioners who may qualify for Attendance Allowance are missing out on the benefit.
The payment is designed to help older people stay in their homes for longer when disabilities or long-term health conditions make daily life difficult.
It supports those who need help with personal care or supervision.
There are two payment rates depending on the level of care required.
Pensioners who need assistance during the day or night can receive £73.90 a week.
Those needing help both day and night, or who have been diagnosed as terminally ill, can receive £110.40 weekly.
You do not need to have a carer in place to claim.
What matters is demonstrating that support is needed, even if no one currently provides it.
The benefit is not means-tested, meaning savings or income will not affect eligibility.
Older people urged to check if they qualify for Attendance Allowance worth up to £110.40 a week
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To qualify, applicants must have reached State Pension age and needed care for at least six months. Those who are terminally ill can claim immediately without a waiting period.
Common conditions among claimants include arthritis, dementia and heart disease, though eligibility is based on the level of help required rather than a specific diagnosis.
Applicants must also live in Great Britain and have spent at least two of the previous three years in the country.
Attendance Allowance can also act as a gateway to other benefits, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax reduction.
Skyrocketing state pension age
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Importantly, receiving Attendance Allowance will not reduce State Pension payments.
The two are separate benefits and can be paid together.
However, Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs and cannot usually be claimed by people living in a care home whose fees are paid by their local council.
With more than a million people potentially missing out, the Department for Work and Pensions is encouraging older people to check their eligibility.
Full details and claim forms are available on the Government website.
This support package could prove invaluable to pensioners, with pension reform in the Autumn Budget potentially reducing take-home pay for millions of workers, with salary sacrifice schemes under threat.
The Society of Pension Professionals has warned Chancellor Rachel Reeves that changes to these arrangements would hit lower earners hardest.
A briefing titled “A sacrifice too far?” was sent to all MPs, urging caution over disrupting pension contribution mechanisms.
Treasury figures show the system represents a £4billion annual investment
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Currently, 33 per cent of private sector workers and nearly 10 per cent of public sector employees benefit from salary sacrifice schemes.
Treasury figures show the system represents a £4billion annual investment, with strong employer support for its continuation.
HMRC research found that reforms would increase admin burdens, lower morale, and reduce pension participation.
Experts say scrapping the schemes could cost workers hundreds of pounds annually and undermine long-term retirement planning.