Attendance Allowance: State pensioners could boost their income up to £89 every week | Personal Finance | Finance
The Department for Work and Pensions gives eligible claimants either £240 or £358.40 every four weeks, which could be vital as the cost of living continues to rise. The state pension is a regular payment provided each month to Britons when they reach state pension age – which is currently 66.
The state pension provides essential financial support for over 12.4 million older people across the UK, however many people are unaware they can also claim Attendance Allowance payments, worth up to £358.40 every four weeks.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit which helps individuals with daily living expenses. It helps with extra costs if people have a physical or mental disability, or illness severe enough that makes it hard for them to look after themselves.
As the nation braces for rocketing energy bills, rising inflation and higher living costs, now is the ideal time for older people to make sure they are claiming all the financial support they are entitled to.
Currently, residents in the UK are eligible for the state pension once they turn 66 and need at least 35 years of National Insurance contributions to receive the full amount.
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People should apply for Attendance Allowance if they need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if they don’t currently get that help.
This might include:
- Help with personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- Help to stay safe
- Britons should apply if they have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take a long time, experience pain or they need physical help, like a chair to lean on
Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
People should also claim if they need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
- A mental health condition
-
Learning difficulties
-
A sensory condition – if they are deaf or visually impaired
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People can receive either the lower rate – £60 – or the higher rate – £89.60 – a week depending on the level of care you need because of their condition
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Attendance Allowance’s lower rate is £60 a week and is given if the claimant needs “frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night”, according to the DWP.
The DWP benefit payment’s weekly higher rate of £89.60 is given to those who need “help or supervision throughout both day and night, or you’re terminally ill”.
A payment is made every four weeks and works out at £240 and £358.40 per pay period respectively.
People can spend the money however they chose and can use the cash boost to stay independent for longer.
The other benefits one gets might increase if they get Attendance Allowance.
These include:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit Reduction
- Council Tax Reduction
To apply for this means of support, older Britons should print out the Attendance Allowance claim form which can be found on the gov.uk website.
The completed form must be sent to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance for the application to be processed.
