Older individuals receiving the state pension are being urged to check their eligibility for a significant weekly payment that could provide crucial financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed to help with the extra costs of having a disability or health condition that requires care.
What is Attendance Allowance and How Much Could You Get?
This support is not means-tested, meaning your income and savings do not affect your claim. Successful applicants receive one of two weekly rates: £73.90 or £110.40. The amount depends on the level of care you require due to your condition.
Payments are typically made every four weeks. This means you could receive £295.60 or £441.60 per payment period. Over a full year, this adds up to as much as £5,740.80, providing a substantial monthly boost of approximately £478.40 to help cover additional living costs.
Which Health Conditions Qualify for the Benefit?
Attendance Allowance is intended to assist people of state pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability, or a long-term illness. The DWP recognises a wide range of conditions.
According to previous DWP statistics, some of the most common qualifying conditions include:
- Arthritis - 47% of claimants
- Heart Disease - 50%
- Neurological Diseases - 50%
- Dementia - 20%
- Back Pain - 43%
- Diabetes Mellitus - 39%
- Multiple Sclerosis - 52%
- Chronic Pain Syndromes - 39%
- Visual Disorders - 41%
- Hearing Disorders - 42%
The list is extensive, covering 48 conditions in total, from respiratory diseases like asthma (47%) and cystic fibrosis (27%) to mental health conditions such as psychosis (44%) and personality disorders (48%). Even frailty in old age is recognised, with a 100% association for claimants.
Act Now to Secure Your Entitlement
This financial support is a vital resource for many older people across the UK. The benefit is specifically designed to help cover the extra costs that come with needing care, whether that's for help with washing, dressing, eating, or simply having someone to watch over you.
If you are of state pension age and have a health condition that requires care, it is essential to check if you qualify. The application process is straightforward, and a successful claim can make a significant difference to your quality of life and financial wellbeing.
