Pensioners living with a severe disability may be able to receive an extra £86.05 per week through Pension Credit, according to guidance from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The additional payment is available to eligible claimants who have reached State Pension age and receive certain disability-related benefits.
The extra support is paid as part of Pension Credit and is intended to help eligible pensioners with additional living costs. For those who qualify, the increase is worth up to £4,474.60 over a full year.
Pension
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that helps people over State Pension age on a low income.
Following annual benefit increases that took effect on 6 April 2026, the Standard Minimum Guarantee rose by 4.8%, bringing weekly income levels to:
| Household | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single person | £238.00 |
| Couple | £363.25 |
Additional Pension Credit elements, including the severe disability addition, increased by 3.8%.
Disability
Eligible Pension Credit recipients with a severe disability may receive an additional £86.05 each week.
The payment applies to:
- A single pensioner who meets the qualifying conditions.
- A couple where one partner qualifies for the severe disability addition.
Over the course of a year, the additional payment totals approximately £4,474.60.
Eligibility
According to the DWP, pensioners may qualify for the severe disability addition if they receive one of the following benefits:
- Attendance Allowance
- Middle or highest rate care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- Daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
- Pension Age Disability Payment
- Middle or highest rate care component of Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance
Meeting one of these benefit conditions does not automatically guarantee entitlement, as Pension Credit eligibility rules also apply.
Support
Receiving Pension Credit can also provide access to other forms of financial assistance, depending on individual circumstances.
These may include:
- Housing Benefit
- Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300
- Council Tax Reduction
- Free TV licence for eligible people aged 75 and over
- Warm Home Discount
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses, and travel costs
The availability of these benefits depends on personal eligibility and local authority rules where applicable.
Government
The current Pension Credit system remains in place, and no changes to the severe disability addition have been announced.
Any future reforms would typically be confirmed during the Autumn Budget before taking effect in a later tax year.
Last year, Baroness Sherlock, Minister of State, confirmed the annual benefit increases, stating:
“The Standard Minimum Guarantee in Pension Credit will increase by 4.8% in line with the increase in average earnings.”
She also confirmed that most disability-related benefits and additional Pension Credit amounts increased by 3.8% in line with inflation.
Apply
To qualify for Pension Credit, applicants must have reached State Pension age and normally live in England, Scotland, or Wales.
Claims can be made up to four months before reaching State Pension age or at any time afterward. Pension Credit claims can usually be backdated for up to three months if the claimant met the eligibility conditions during that period.
People can estimate their entitlement using the Government’s online Pension Credit calculator or contact the Pension Service helpline on 0800 99 1234 for more information.
The additional £86.05 weekly payment provides extra financial support for eligible pensioners living with a severe disability. While the payment is not available to everyone receiving Pension Credit, those who meet both the income and disability conditions may receive a higher award along with access to several other forms of government assistance. Anyone unsure about their eligibility can check through the official GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator or contact the DWP for guidance.
FAQs
How much is the severe disability addition?
Eligible claimants can receive an extra £86.05 per week.
Who can claim Pension Credit?
People over State Pension age on a low income may qualify.
Which benefits can help you qualify?
Benefits include Attendance Allowance, PIP, DLA and others.
Can Pension Credit claims be backdated?
Yes, usually for up to three months if eligible.
