Pensioners aged 66 or older are being urged to check if they qualify for Attendance Allowance, a weekly payment from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that can reach up to £5,959 per year. The benefit is not means-tested, meaning savings and income do not affect eligibility or the amount received.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs for people who have a disability or health condition severe enough to require someone to help look after them. It is paid at two rates: £76.70 per week for those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night; and £114.60 per week for those who require help or supervision throughout both day and night, or for those nearing the end of life as certified by a medical professional. The higher rate amounts to £5,959 over a year.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, claimants must be of State Pension age (between 66 and 67, depending on date of birth) or older. The disability or health condition must have required help or supervision for at least six months. The benefit is available for physical or mental disabilities and is not means-tested, so earnings and savings do not reduce the payment. Additionally, it is tax-free and does not affect tax status.
Why Claim Now?
According to MoneySavingExpert.com, Attendance Allowance is "one of the most underclaimed benefits, with as many as 1.1 million missing out on up to £5.2 BILLION a year." The benefit is not backdated, so eligible individuals should apply as soon as possible to avoid losing out on potential payments. Claimants can use the money as they see fit, and receiving Attendance Allowance may also unlock additional Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
How to Apply
Applications can be made online or by post. For those applying on behalf of someone else as an appointee, deputy, or power of attorney, a paper form must be completed and sent by post. Claimants cannot be receiving certain other benefits, including Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA), or Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment. Full eligibility details are available on the UK Government website.
