Hundreds of thousands of pensioners across Britain could be missing out on a crucial benefit worth up to £4,000 annually that helps cover essential care costs. The Attendance Allowance provides vital financial support for older people needing help with personal care due to illness or disability.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit designed to help state pension age individuals who have a physical or mental disability requiring assistance with personal care. Unlike some other benefits, it's not means-tested, meaning your income and savings won't affect your eligibility.
Who Qualifies for This Support?
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, you must:
- Be state pension age or older
- Have a physical or mental disability requiring care
- Have needed help for at least six months
- Be in Great Britain when you claim
Payment Rates You Could Receive
The benefit offers two payment tiers based on your care needs:
- Lower rate: £68.10 per week for those needing help during the day OR night
- Higher rate: £101.75 per week for those needing help both day AND night
Common Conditions That May Qualify
Many pensioners don't realise they might be eligible. Conditions that could qualify include:
- Arthritis affecting mobility
- Sight or hearing impairments
- Dementia or memory issues
- Difficulty with personal tasks like washing or dressing
- Needing supervision to stay safe
How to Claim Your Entitlement
Claiming is straightforward but requires completing a detailed form about how your condition affects your daily life. The Department for Work and Pensions processes claims, which can be backdated to the date you first contacted them.
Don't assume you won't qualify - many eligible pensioners miss out because they believe their condition isn't 'serious enough' or they're managing without formal care. If you need help with personal care due to disability, you could be entitled to this important financial support.
