Pensioners living with severe medical conditions or daily care needs are set to receive higher cash payments following the latest government benefit review. Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) statutory adjustments mean Attendance Allowance rates will increase by 3.5%.
The payment is designed specifically for individuals aged 66 and over who require regular personal support. Because the allowance is not means-tested, personal savings, property and existing pension income do not affect eligibility.
Current weekly support sits at either £76.70 for lower care needs or £114.60 for day and night supervision. Over a full 52-week period, these existing rates provide recipients with either £3,988.40 or £5,959.20.
Under the proposed 3.5% uplift, the lower payment tier will rise to approximately £79.38 each week. That adjustment ensures an annual baseline payment of £4,127.76 for people needing support during either the day or the night, reports Ben Hurst for Wales Online.
Claimants who qualify for the higher tier are projected to receive £118.61 per week. Over the course of the financial year, this higher tier provides an annual income of £6,167.72.
The DWP has formally presented the figures as part of its wider welfare review. In a statement to Parliament, Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary, confirmed: "The new rates will apply in the tax year 2027-28 and will mainly come into effect from April 12, 2027.
I am pleased to announce that the basic and full rate of the new state pensions will be increased by 3.9%, in line with the increase in average weekly earnings in the year to May-July 2026.
"This delivers on our triple lock commitment throughout this Parliament to increase these rates in line with the highest of growth in prices, growth in earnings or 2.5%. From April, the full annual rate of the new State Pension will increase by around £490. The full annual rate of the basic State Pension will increase by around £375."
There was good news for pensioners on lower incomes. McFadden said: "The standard minimum guarantee in Pension Credit will also increase by 3.9% in line with the increase in average weekly earnings. From April, it will be £247.30 a week for a single pensioner and £377.40 a week for a couple, ensuring the incomes of the poorest pensioners are protected.
Other State Pension and benefit rates covered by my statutory review will be increased by 3.5%, in line with the increase in the Consumer Price Index in the year to September 2026.
"This includes most working-age benefits and other benefits for people below state pension age; benefits to help with additional needs arising from disability; statutory payments including statutory sick pay and statutory maternity pay; and additional state pension. The Pension Credit savings credit maximum amount will also increase by 3.5%."
