More than a million pensioners across Britain are missing out on a crucial Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit that could provide them with over £110 every week, new analysis reveals.
What is the Attendance Allowance?
The Attendance Allowance is a tax-free payment designed for people who have reached state pension age and need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability or illness. According to DWP figures, while 1.9 million people currently receive this support, an estimated 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming.
This means billions of pounds in essential financial aid, which could help cover rising food, heating, and care costs, is going unclaimed each year. A significant point is that the benefit is not means-tested, so an individual's savings or income do not affect their eligibility.
Many potential claimants mistakenly believe they are only eligible if they have a full-time carer. However, the allowance can be claimed even if no formal outside help is currently being received.
Who is eligible and how much is it worth?
To qualify, applicants must be state pension age or over and must have needed care or supervision for at least six months because of a physical or mental condition. This includes learning difficulties. The waiting period is waived for those with a terminal illness, who can apply immediately.
Official data shows the most common conditions among current claimants include arthritis, dementia, and heart disease. Applicants must also live in Great Britain and have been resident for two of the last three years.
The benefit is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care required:
- Lower rate: For those who need help during the day or at night.
- Higher rate: For those who need help both during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.
The higher rate is worth £110.40 per week, which adds up to £5,740 over a full year. It is important to note that you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Those whose care home fees are fully covered by their local council are also ineligible, though self-funders can still apply.
How to claim the benefit
Pensioners or their representatives can apply for the benefit either online or by post. The application process requires several key details, including:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your current address and contact information
- Details of your GP or medical centre
- Information about any recent stays in a care home, hospital, or hospice
After applying, a decision letter is typically sent within three weeks. Some applicants may be asked to attend an assessment to determine how their condition affects them. Once approved, payments are made every four weeks directly into a nominated bank account.
Full details and the necessary application forms can be found on the UK Government's official website under "Attendance Allowance".
