State pensioners on four benefits handed extra £331 from DWP from Wednesday | Personal Finance | Finance
State pensioners with disability benefits may be handed over an additional £331 each month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Those of State Pension age who are on Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) could be eligible to receive the extra support.
The extra funds will come in the form of Pension Credit from the DWP. It is also recommended that you claim Attendance Allowance, if you are over State Pension age and don’t already receive DLA, PIP or ADP. But if you are receiving PIP, or ADP in Scotland, you can continue to receive and renew these benefits after reaching State Pension age, provided you still meet the other conditions. Depending on your circumstances, you might receive more money by staying on one of these disability benefits, rather than applying for Attendance Allowance once you reach State Pension age.
The disability element of Pension Credit is worth £82.90 per week, which amounts to £331.60 every four-week pay period. Pension Credit boosts weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples, reports Birmingham Live.
Depending on your circumstances, you may receive more money by staying on one of these disability benefits, instead of applying for Attendance Allowance once you reach State Pension age.
The amount you receive from disability benefits varies based on the level of care and support you require. According to Birmingham Live, a key distinction between benefits available to those under State Pension age—such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Adult Disability Payment (ADP)—and Attendance Allowance, which is typically for those over pension age, lies in their structure.
PIP and ADP are made up of two components: one for daily living and another for mobility, allowing for a more tailored assessment of your needs. In contrast, Attendance Allowance focuses solely on care needs and does not include support for mobility. This difference can significantly impact the type and amount of financial assistance you receive depending on your age and circumstances.
Independent Age advises; “In many cases, getting a disability benefit can mean you’re entitled to a higher rate of benefits such as Housing Benefit, Pension Credit or Council Tax Support, or that you qualify for these benefits when you wouldn’t otherwise.
“This is because receiving a disability benefit can increase the minimum amount of money the government says you need to live on each week.
“However, your council can take your disability benefits into account when they work out how much you might have to pay for care services, which could reduce your income.”
