The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing state pensioners receiving certain benefits with an additional £344 every four weeks following an April increase. Pensioners who claim Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) may be eligible for this extra support.
Pension Credit Boost
This group may qualify for additional Pension Credit, which is worth £86.05 per week for single pensioners, equating to £344.20 every four-week pay period. Under DWP regulations, a couple over State Pension age claiming Pension Credit where one person receives a disability benefit will also receive £86.05 per week. If both partners qualify for Pension Credit, the payment increases to £172.10 per week.
Carer's Allowance
Claimants of Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment will receive an extra Pension Credit payment of £48.15 under DWP rules. These payments have been increased to higher amounts due to the likelihood that retirees may face greater health challenges and require additional assistance.
Care Home Residents
Older individuals who have reached the minimum Pension Credit age and live permanently in care homes may also be entitled to Pension Credit. The DWP advises people to contact their local council if they wish to enter a care home and need financial support. In its Pension Credit guidance, the DWP explains: "The local council should assess their need for care and should carry out a means test. If appropriate, they should be encouraged to claim any benefits they are entitled to, including Pension Credit."
Hospital Stays
Regarding pensioners in hospital, the DWP states: "If someone is getting the severe disability extra amount as part of their Pension Credit, this will normally stop if they spend more than 28 days in hospital. This is the same as when their Attendance Allowance, DLA, or PIP stops. The carer extra amount may also stop, but otherwise their Pension Credit will keep going all the time they are in hospital."
