Thousands of older Britons could be missing out on a crucial financial lifeline from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that provides essential support for daily living costs.
The Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit designed specifically for individuals who have reached State Pension age and require help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability. This support is not means-tested, meaning your income or savings won't affect your eligibility.
What Could You Receive?
The benefit is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care you need:
- Lower rate: £77.40 per week (approximately £309.60 monthly) for those who need help during the day or night
- Higher rate: £108.60 per week (approximately £434.40 monthly) for those who need help both during the day and night
Who Qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
To be eligible, you must:
- Have reached State Pension age (currently 66)
- Have a physical or mental disability, including illnesses like dementia or arthritis
- Require help with personal care or supervision to stay safe
Crucially, you don't need to have someone actually providing care for you yet. The allowance is based on your need for assistance, not whether you're currently receiving it.
Why Many Miss Out
Many eligible pensioners don't claim this benefit due to misconceptions about eligibility or simply not knowing it exists. The DWP estimates that millions of pounds in support go unclaimed each year.
Unlike some benefits, receiving Attendance Allowance won't affect your State Pension and might actually help you qualify for additional support like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
How to Claim
Claiming is straightforward. You can download the form from the GOV.UK website or request a printed version by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline. The form asks about how your condition affects your daily life, so it's helpful to have details about your care needs prepared.
The benefit is paid directly into your bank account every four weeks, providing consistent support for those who need it most.
