Hundreds of thousands of state pensioners across the UK could receive a significant financial boost this January, with extra payments of up to £441 available from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What is Attendance Allowance?
The support comes through Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed to help older people with the extra costs of having a disability or long-term health condition. It is specifically for those who are over the state pension age and need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe.
It is paid at two weekly rates: £73.90 for those needing help during the day or night, and a higher rate of £110.40 for those requiring assistance both day and night. Over four weeks, the higher rate amounts to £441.60.
Who is Claiming It?
Latest DWP figures reveal the scale of claims for common age-related conditions. A substantial 524,072 state pensioners are currently claiming Attendance Allowance for arthritis, making it the most common reason for a claim.
Furthermore, 80,354 people are receiving the benefit for back pain, and another 20,868 are claiming for spondylosis, a spinal condition linked to wear and tear.
Key Facts and How to Claim
David Samson, a benefits expert at the anti-poverty charity Turn2us, highlighted crucial details about the benefit. "Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit," he said. "Your income and savings are not taken into account when assessing if you qualify."
He also confirmed that claiming it will not reduce any other income you receive, such as your state pension. Importantly, being awarded Attendance Allowance can act as a gateway to other support.
You should consider applying if you have a disability or illness and:
- Need help with personal tasks like dressing, washing, eating, or using the toilet.
- Require supervision to stay safe.
- Find these tasks take a long time, cause you pain, or you need physical aids.
You can apply even if you do not currently have someone helping you. The benefit is not solely for those with physical disabilities; it also covers mental health conditions and learning difficulties if care needs are present.
Successfully claiming Attendance Allowance may lead to entitlement for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or a Council Tax Reduction, potentially providing a much broader financial uplift for eligible pensioners.
