Thousands of UK pensioners are missing out on vital financial support every year simply because they are not claiming benefits they are already entitled to. With the cost of living remaining high, unclaimed support can quietly add up to as much as £18,000 a year for some older people.
These payments are not loans, do not reduce your State Pension, and are designed specifically to help pensioners manage everyday living costs. Yet many people never apply because they assume they will not qualify or feel unsure about the process.
Below, we explain the two most commonly overlooked benefits, how much they can be worth, who may qualify, and why claiming them can unlock even more help.
Why Many Pensioners Miss Out on Financial Support
A common misconception is that benefits are only for people who have never worked or who are facing extreme hardship. In reality, many schemes exist to support pensioners with modest incomes, health conditions, or mobility difficulties.
Some older people believe they earn too much to qualify, while others assume owning a home automatically disqualifies them. In many cases, neither assumption is correct.
The application process can also feel overwhelming. Long forms, assessments, and official letters may discourage people from applying, especially if they live alone or manage ongoing health issues.
Pension Credit: One of the Most Underclaimed Benefits
Pension Credit is specifically designed to support people over State Pension age who are on a low income. Despite this, it remains one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK.
This benefit tops up your weekly income and does not depend on how much you paid into the system during your working life.
How Much Pension Credit Can Be Worth
Pension Credit has two parts:
• Guarantee Credit – tops up your weekly income to a minimum level
• Savings Credit – extra money for some people who saved for retirement
Depending on your circumstances, Pension Credit alone can increase your income by £3,900 a year or more.
The Hidden Value of Pension Credit
Pension Credit is often called a gateway benefit because it unlocks additional support, including:
• Free TV licence (for eligible age groups)
• Council Tax reduction
• Help with housing costs
• Cold Weather Payments
• Warm Home Discount
• Extra NHS support, such as dental care and glasses
When added together, these extras can significantly increase the total value of claiming.
Who May Qualify for Pension Credit
You may be eligible if:
• You are over State Pension age
• You live in the UK
• Your income is below certain thresholds
• You have savings below specific limits
Importantly, owning your home does not automatically disqualify you. Many homeowners still qualify and do not realise it.
Attendance Allowance: A Valuable but Overlooked Benefit
Attendance Allowance is another benefit that often goes unclaimed, despite being one of the most valuable for older people.
It is designed for pensioners who need help due to illness, disability, or age-related conditions. You do not need to have a carer, and the money is paid directly to you.
How Much Attendance Allowance Pays
Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates:
• Lower rate – for help needed during the day or night
• Higher rate – for help needed during both day and night
At the higher rate, Attendance Allowance can be worth nearly £6,000 a year.
This payment is tax-free and can be used however you need, including help at home, transport, heating, or daily living costs.
What Counts as Needing Help
You may qualify if you struggle with everyday tasks such as:
• Washing or bathing
• Dressing or undressing
• Preparing or eating food
• Taking medication
• Moving safely around your home
• Remembering tasks due to memory problems
You do not need to already receive help. What matters is whether you need support, even if you manage alone.
Why Attendance Allowance Is Often Missed
Because Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, many pensioners wrongly assume they will not qualify.
Others feel uncomfortable discussing their difficulties, especially if they have lived independently for many years. However, the assessment focuses on support needs, not loss of independence.
How the Two Benefits Can Add Up to £18,000 a Year
When claimed together, Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance can create a substantial financial boost.
The total value may include:
• Pension Credit income top-ups
• Attendance Allowance payments
• Council Tax reductions
• Free TV licence
• Energy and heating discounts
• NHS cost exemptions
For some pensioners, especially those living alone with health needs, the combined value can reach £18,000 a year or more.
Extra Support Unlocked by Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance can also increase eligibility for:
• Higher Housing Benefit
• Extra Pension Credit
• Additional local authority support
This knock-on effect makes it especially important to check eligibility.
Common Myths That Stop Pensioners Claiming
Many people avoid applying because of beliefs such as:
• “I’ve worked all my life”
• “Other people need it more”
• “I own my home”
• “The process is too complicated”
These benefits exist to help older people cope with rising costs, regardless of past employment history.
Why Checking Eligibility Now Matters
Unclaimed benefits are not saved for later. If you do not apply, the money simply goes unused.
With household bills, food prices, and energy costs still high, claiming the support you are entitled to can make a meaningful difference to comfort, security, and independence in later life.
For many UK pensioners and their families, checking entitlement could be one of the most important financial steps they take this year.
Hi, I’m Faiq, the person behind Asdbn. I started this website to share mobile and tech news in a simple and honest way. I regularly follow smartphone launches, updates, and trends, and I like to write about things that are actually useful for readers. My focus is to keep the content clear, genuine, and easy to understand, so anyone interested in mobile and technology news can benefit from it.