Can I Get Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit at the Same Time?
Yes – and receiving Attendance Allowance can actually increase your Pension Credit. Many pensioners do not realise that being awarded Attendance Allowance may qualify them for a significant top-up to their Pension Credit through something called the Severe Disability Addition.
This guide explains how the two benefits work together, how much extra you could receive, and what other benefits may increase as a result.
How Attendance Allowance Increases Your Pension Credit
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit for people over State Pension age who are on a low income. It comes with a Guarantee Credit element that tops up your weekly income to a minimum level.
If you receive Attendance Allowance (at either rate) and you also qualify for Pension Credit, you may be entitled to the Severe Disability Addition. This is an extra amount added to your Pension Credit payment.
Severe Disability Addition rates (2026/27)
| Situation | Per Week | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Single person | £86.05 | £4,474.60 |
| Couple (one qualifies) | £86.05 | £4,474.60 |
| Couple (both qualify) | £172.10 | £8,949.20 |
Source: GOV.UK – Benefit and pension rates 2026/27
The Total Financial Impact
When you combine Attendance Allowance with the Severe Disability Addition, the numbers become significant. Here is what a single pensioner could receive:
| Benefit | Per Week | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance (higher rate) | £114.60 | £5,959.20 |
| Severe Disability Addition | £86.05 | £4,474.60 |
| Combined total | £200.65 | £10,433.80 |
That is over £10,000 per year in additional tax-free income – and it does not affect your State Pension.
Who Qualifies for the Severe Disability Addition?
To receive the Severe Disability Addition on your Pension Credit, you must:
- Be receiving Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element)
- Be receiving a qualifying disability benefit – Attendance Allowance, the middle or highest rate DLA care component, or the daily living component of PIP
- Live alone (or be treated as living alone) – you cannot qualify if someone living with you receives Carer’s Allowance for looking after you
The third point catches some people out. If your spouse or carer receives Carer’s Allowance for looking after you, the Severe Disability Addition does not apply. However, if no one claims Carer’s Allowance for your care, you can qualify even if you live with someone else.
Other Benefits That May Increase
Receiving Attendance Allowance can also increase your entitlement to:
- Housing Benefit – if you rent, your Housing Benefit calculation may increase when you receive AA
- Council Tax Reduction – many local councils offer reduced council tax for disability benefit recipients. Contact your local council to check
- Carer’s Allowance – if someone provides you with care for 35+ hours per week, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance (currently £81.90 per week). The person caring for you must earn under £151 per week after deductions
- NHS help – Pension Credit recipients automatically qualify for free NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests, and help with healthcare travel costs
How to Check If You Qualify for Pension Credit
If you are not already receiving Pension Credit, it is worth checking your eligibility. An estimated 880,000 eligible pensioners do not claim Pension Credit, missing out on thousands of pounds each year.
You can check using the government’s Pension Credit calculator at www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator, or call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Does Attendance Allowance Reduce Any of My Benefits?
No. Attendance Allowance does not reduce your State Pension, Pension Credit, or any other benefit. It is a tax-free addition to your income. In most cases, it either has no effect on other benefits or it increases them.
The only situation where Attendance Allowance could indirectly affect your finances is if your local authority takes it into account when assessing charges for social care services. However, the benefit itself is never reduced.
How We Can Help
At Attendance Allowance Services, our HCPC-registered Occupational Therapists handle the Attendance Allowance application from start to finish. Once you receive Attendance Allowance, you can then contact the Pension Credit helpline to check whether you qualify for the Severe Disability Addition – which could add another £86.05 per week to your income.
There is no fee unless your Attendance Allowance application is successful.
Start your free eligibility check now
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Attendance Allowance affect Pension Credit?
Attendance Allowance does not reduce Pension Credit. In fact, it can increase it. If you receive Attendance Allowance and qualify for Pension Credit, you may be entitled to the Severe Disability Addition – currently worth up to £86.05 per week for a single person, or £172.10 for a couple where both qualify.
What is the Severe Disability Addition?
The Severe Disability Addition is an extra amount added to your Pension Credit if you receive a qualifying disability benefit like Attendance Allowance and you live alone (or no one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you). For 2026/27, it is worth £86.05 per week for a single person.
Will Attendance Allowance reduce my other benefits?
No. Attendance Allowance does not reduce your State Pension, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or any other benefit. It is paid on top of everything else. In most cases, receiving Attendance Allowance either has no effect on other benefits or increases your entitlement to them.
