State pensioners can receive an additional £208 a year on top of their state pension after the latest Budget increased Attendance Allowance payments. The higher weekly rate rises by £4, while the lower rate increases by £2.70, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The benefit is not means-tested, meaning eligibility does not depend on income, savings, or other assets. It is available to anyone of state pension age who needs help with personal care due to an illness or disability.
How much can you get?
The lower rate pays £79.40 per week for those who need help during the day OR at night. The higher rate pays £118.60 per week for those who need help during the day AND night, or who are terminally ill. The higher rate increase amounts to £208 per year, while the lower rate rise is worth £140.40 per year.
Age UK states that the money is given regardless of income or savings. The charity says: "The money you receive isn't taxable or means-tested – so your savings or income won't affect your claim. Claiming also won't affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction."
Who is eligible?
To claim, you must be of state pension age and have "any type" of disability or physical or mental illness. Age UK adds: "You have any type of disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia. You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night."
You must have needed help for at least six months, unless you are terminally ill, in which case you can claim straight away.
What counts as help?
On The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV1, Martin Lewis explained that a legal precedent defines the kind of help likely to warrant a claim. He said: "What defines help? Well the first one is help with daily living, and a famous old judge… in 1981 defined this and it still fits for today. This is help with bodily functions including breathing, hearing, seeing, eating, drinking, walking, sitting, sleeping, getting in or out of bed, dressing, undressing, eliminating waste products and the like. All of which an ordinary person who is not suffering from any disabilities does for himself."
Lewis listed conditions likely to qualify, including Parkinson's, physical disabilities, dementia, and terminal illness. He noted that you can apply on someone else's behalf if they are capable of understanding, or you can sign for them if you have Power of Attorney.
