One million pensioners could be missing out on ‘minimum’ £3,800 a year | Retirement | Finance

September 25, 2025 4,638

Around one million pensioners have been warned they could be “missing out” on a substantial amount of cash every year. You may not realise you qualify for a “minimum” of £3,800 in support.

In an update, the team at Money Saving Expert (MSE) – which was founded by Martin Lewis – urged people to check if they could be eligible for Attendance Allowance.

This is a benefit paid independently of the State Pension, to provide extra financial support for older people with a longstanding health condition or disability.

It covers any extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself. This might include paying for taxis, helping towards bills, or paying for a cleaner or gardener.

Depending on your needs, you could be paid the lower rate of £73.90 a week, which works out as £3,842.80 a year, or £110.40 a week, which is £5,740.80 a year. However, it is usually paid every four weeks, which amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60.

On its website, MSE said: “Around one million pensioners miss out on a minimum £3,800 a year.

“Regardless of your income, if you’re a state pensioner who needs help with daily living (say washing or eating) or someone to watch over you, during the day or night, you may be due a fixed payout of at least £3,842 a year to cover some of the costs.

“Worth checking if… you need this help (even if you’re not getting it). It’s common for those with Parkinson’s, dementia, terminal illness, blindness and more.”

One MSE reader contacted the team to say their advice helped her mum get the full amount of Attendance Allowance.

Sian said: “My mum and I wanted to say a huge thanks for sharing really useful and clear guidance on Attendance Allowance.

“My mum was approved for the higher allowance full amount [£5,741 a year]!

“This financial support will make a huge difference to her maintaining her independence. We cannot thank the MSE Team enough.”

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In Scotland, this benefit is no longer known as Attendance Allowance – it is called Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP).

For further advice, you can use MSE’s online benefit checker to see what cash support you can get here.

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP include: