The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed payouts for 69,000 state pensioners suffering from a common health complaint. According to DWP figures, over 68,200 individuals already claim Attendance Allowance to help with costs associated with back pain.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to help with care needs for those who have a disability or long-term illness and have reached State Pension age. It can be paid regardless of income, savings, or National Insurance contribution record and is tax-free. If you are a carer with your own care needs, you can claim Attendance Allowance for yourself without affecting your Carer's Allowance.
How Attendance Allowance Affects Other Benefits
Receiving Attendance Allowance does not reduce other benefits; it may even increase them. If you have a carer, claiming this benefit could help them qualify for certain benefits, such as Carer's Allowance. It may also entitle you or your carer to further help with other benefits, including Council Tax.
Using Your Attendance Allowance
There are no restrictions on how you spend your Attendance Allowance. You are not required to use it specifically for care services. However, your council or trust may take it into account when calculating any contributions you need to make for care services they provide.
Qualifying for Attendance Allowance
To qualify, you must have reached State Pension age and require help looking after yourself due to a physical or mental disability or long-term illness. You must have had the condition for at least six months (you can apply before six months, but payments start only after that period). You must also have no immigration restrictions on your stay in the UK, subject to exceptions. If you have immigration conditions, claiming benefits may affect your right to remain, so seek specialist advice beforehand.
Payment Rates
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates. The higher rate is available if you meet both daytime and nighttime care needs. It is worth up to £114.60 per week or £459 per month.
