State pensioners claiming Attendance Allowance could increase their Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payments by £151.60 every four weeks if their health has deteriorated.
The benefit, which supports people over state pension age who need help with a disability or long-term health condition, is paid at two different rates depending on a claimant's care needs.
People currently receiving the lower rate whose condition has worsened since their award was made may qualify for the higher payment.
Those who successfully move to the higher rate would see their four-weekly payment rise from £306.80 to £458.40.
The additional financial support is intended to help older people remain independent and continue living in their own homes for longer.
In 2026, the lower rate of Attendance Allowance is £76.70 a week and is paid to people who need supervision or personal care either during the day or during the night.
The higher rate is £114.60 a week and is available to people who require help during both the day and the night.
It also applies to people who have been told by a medical professional they may have 12 months or less to live.
The difference between the two rates is £151.60 every four weeks.
Attendance Allowance is available to people who have reached state pension age, which is currently 66 and is due to rise to 67 by 2028.
The benefit is not means-tested, meaning savings and income do not affect eligibility.
Claimants whose care needs change should contact the Attendance Allowance helpline as soon as possible.
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People must also inform the DWP if they are admitted to hospital or move into a care home, including providing details of the address, how long they expect to stay and who is paying for their care.
People who receive a terminal diagnosis and are told by a medical professional they may have 12 months or less to live may qualify for the higher rate under the DWP's special rules for end of life.
Other changes that should be reported include planned trips abroad lasting more than four weeks, imprisonment, changes to bank account details or home address and changes to immigration status for people who are not British citizens.
The DWP warns that claimants who fail to report changes could be required to repay any overpayments.
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, people must be aged 66 or over and have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care.
Eligible conditions include arthritis, dementia, learning disabilities and sight or hearing impairments.
Applicants do not need a formal diagnosis, but they must usually have needed help with personal care for at least six months before making a claim, although people nearing the end of life can apply immediately.
Attendance Allowance cannot be claimed at the same time as Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment or the care component of Disability Living Allowance.
Receiving Attendance Allowance may also increase entitlement to other forms of support, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and council tax reductions.
People can apply for Attendance Allowance by contacting the DWP on 0800 731 0122 or by downloading an application form from the Government website.
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