Kelly
If you’re over State Pension age and receive certain disability benefits, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may be offering you an extra £82.90 per week through the Disability Premium included in Pension Credit.
That’s an additional £331.60 every four weeks, potentially adding up to £4,300 a year for many older adults. Here’s how to determine if you qualify, how it’s paid, and what to do next.
What Is the £82.90 Weekly Boost?
The Disability Premium—now worth £82.90 per week—is a top-up added to Pension Credit for those receiving:
- Attendance Allowance, or
- The middle or highest care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or
- The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or
- Adult Disability Payment (ADP).
Couples qualify for £82.90 each per week if both partners have qualifying benefits. In addition, if you receive Carer’s Allowance, you may get an extra £46.40 per week for supporting another adult.
How Much Extra Income Could You Get?
Besides the disability top-up, Pension Credit guarantees a minimum weekly income, and includes other premium elements:
| Situation | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single + disability benefit | £227.10 Guarantee + £82.90 = £310.00 |
| Couple, one with disability | £346.60 Guarantee + £82.90 = £429.50 |
| Carer + disability | Extra £46.40 (on top) |
Over a year, this could mean:
- £331.60 per month × 12 = £3,979
- Total additional support in a couple: £4,300+
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you must:
- Be over State Pension age
- Have a low income (means-tested)
- Be receiving one of the qualifying benefits (Attendance Allowance, DLA middle/high, PIP daily living, ADP)
- Or be a carer receiving Carer’s Allowance or meeting “underlying entitlement” rules
An estimated 1.4 million pensioners claim Pension Credit, but over 700,000 eligible people still haven’t applied.
Eligibility
| Benefit | Extra Weekly Pension Credit |
|---|---|
| Attendance Allowance | £82.90 |
| DLA (middle/high care) | £82.90 |
| PIP (daily living) | £82.90 |
| ADP (standard/enhanced) | £82.90 |
| Carer’s Allowance | £46.40 |
| Carer’s “underlying entitlement” | £46.40 |
How to Claim
- Check Eligibility
Use the Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK to check quickly. - Gather Information
Have your National Insurance number, bank details, and benefits information handy. - Apply for Pension Credit
Call the helpline (0800 99 1234) or apply online. - Await Decision
The DWP processes within a few weeks and pays directly into your bank. - Backdating
You may qualify for backdated payments up to three months prior.
Pension Credit Benefits
Secure eligibility unlocks more than financial support:
- Cold Weather Payments, Summer Fuel Payments
- Possible free TV licence if aged 75+
- Help with council tax, housing, and NHS prescription/optical costs
That’s in addition to the £4,300+ in annual top-ups.
The £82.90 weekly boost could add £4,300 annually for seniors with disability benefits—yet hundreds of thousands haven’t applied. If you’re over State Pension age and on low income, this benefit is a must-check.
It’s easy to apply, offers backdated payments, and unlocks other essential benefits. With just a few phone calls or clicks, you could soon secure your full entitlements and improve your financial wellbeing.
FAQs
Is the £82.90 taxable?
No. The top-up is tax-free and won’t affect other benefits.
What’s “underlying entitlement” to Carer’s Allowance?
If you qualify but aren’t getting paid because you’re already on another benefit, you still get the £46.40 weekly top-up.
Can Pension Credit be backdated?
Yes—up to three months before your application, increasing your initial payment.