Disabled or ill pensioners are being urged not to pay for help with applying for Attendance Allowance, a benefit worth up to £114.60 a week. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) website has issued the warning after seeing examples of “no win, no fee” firms charging hundreds of pounds to submit claims, despite free services being available.
Charges and Free Alternatives
One person told the website she had paid £1,033 for a firm to submit her application. MSE says sometimes people are charged a fixed fee, but in other cases it can be a cut of any benefit awarded in the first year. Instead of paying, MSE recommends contacting Age UK (0800 678 1602), Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848), Independent Age (0800 319 6789), Scope (0808 800 3333) or Turn2Us (0808 164 8817).
Rates and Eligibility
Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who have a disability, health issue or mental health problems and need extra help. The lower rate is £76.70 a week if help is needed during the day or night, and the higher rate is £114.60 a week if help is needed both day and night, or if nearing the end of life. You do not need to have someone caring for you to claim; the money can be used on things that keep you independent or help around the house, such as a cleaner, gardener or taxis. You may qualify if your condition has meant you needed help for at least six months.
Payment Details and Impact
Attendance Allowance is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £306.80 or £458.40 per pay period. It is not means-tested, so there is no limit on savings, and it is tax-free and exempt from the benefit cap. If you claim other benefits, these might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You cannot claim it if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and it has been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment. Research firm Policy in Practice suggests up to one million eligible pensioners may be missing out on Attendance Allowance.
