Comparison Β· 2026/27
Attendance Allowance vs Pension Credit
Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit are both aimed at pensioners but address different needs β one supports care and supervision needs regardless of income, the other tops up low income regardless of health. Claiming one can also unlock extra money from the other. This guide explains how each works and how they fit together.
At a Glance
| Feature | Attendance Allowance | Pension Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Care/supervision needs | Top up low income |
| Means-tested? | No | Yes |
| Age requirement | State Pension age+ | State Pension age+ |
| Diagnosis required? | No β functional need assessed | N/A |
| Passports to other help? | Can boost Pension Credit | Council Tax, free TV licence, NHS help |
| Can claim both? | Yes β Attendance Allowance can increase Pension Credit | |
Exact weekly rates and thresholds change each April β verify current figures on gov.uk before relying on them.
How Attendance Allowance Works
Attendance Allowance provides a weekly cash payment at one of two rates depending on whether help is needed during the day, at night, or both. There is no means test β income and savings are entirely irrelevant, and the payment goes to the person with the care need regardless of who actually provides that care, or whether care is being provided at all.
Claims are assessed on a paper form supported by evidence from a GP, specialist or carer rather than a routine face-to-face assessment, and awards can be time-limited, ongoing with light-touch review, or indefinite for stable long-term conditions. Terminally ill claimants can use the Special Rules process for a faster decision, usually at the higher rate.
How Pension Credit Works
Pension Credit\'s main element, Guarantee Credit, tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level set each year, taking most other income (including State Pension) and savings above a threshold into account. Savings above the threshold reduce the award gradually rather than disqualifying a claim outright, which is why it is worth applying even with modest savings.
An award of Attendance Allowance can add a severe disability element to a Pension Credit calculation, substantially increasing the weekly amount for eligible claimants who live alone (or with another adult who is also disabled and not caring for them in a way that disqualifies the element). This interaction is one of the most under-claimed combinations in the UK benefits system.