Thousands of households across Britain are set to receive a significant financial boost, with eligible individuals able to claim up to £749 every month through the Department for Work and Pensions' Attendance Allowance scheme.
The non-means-tested benefit provides crucial support to those who have reached state pension age and require assistance with personal care or supervision due to physical or mental disabilities.
Two Payment Tiers Available
The DWP offers two different rates depending on the level of care required:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week for those needing help during the day OR night
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week for those requiring assistance both day AND night
This translates to monthly payments of approximately £290.60 or £434.20, amounting to between £3,487.20 and £5,210.40 annually.
Who Qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
Eligibility extends beyond those with mobility issues. The benefit covers various conditions including:
- Arthritis and physical disabilities
- Mental health conditions including dementia
- Sensory impairments such as blindness or deafness
- Learning disabilities and cognitive impairments
Important: You must have needed help for at least six months, unless you're terminally ill, and be state pension age or older when you claim.
How to Make Your Claim
Claiming involves completing a detailed form that asks about how your condition affects your daily life. The DWP recommends:
- Calling the enquiry line to request a claim form
- Providing thorough details about your care needs
- Including supporting information from doctors or carers
- Returning the completed form within six weeks
Successful claims are typically backdated to the date of application, providing a substantial lump sum for many recipients.
Additional Benefits of Claiming
Beyond the direct payments, receiving Attendance Allowance can make you eligible for:
- Council Tax Reduction
- Cold Weather Payments
- Winter Fuel Payments
- Other means-tested benefits
Many eligible pensioners miss out on this crucial support simply because they don't realise they qualify or find the application process daunting.
The DWP encourages anyone who believes they might be eligible to make a claim, as the additional financial support can make a substantial difference to quality of life for older people with care needs.
