The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed it is trialling a significant change to the application process for Attendance Allowance, a benefit claimed by up to 1.7 million older people across the UK.
What is Changing with Attendance Allowance?
A DWP spokesperson stated that the department is "temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility." This marks a potential digital shift for a benefit traditionally claimed via paper forms.
However, the service is currently in a limited pilot phase. Official guidance on GOV.UK notes that the new online portal will only accept a "limited number of applications each week." Crucially, applicants cannot use a mobile phone or tablet; access requires a desktop or laptop computer.
How to Claim During the Test Phase
The DWP has been keen to stress that no one will miss out on the benefit during this testing period. The traditional postal method remains fully available.
Individuals can apply by post by printing and completing the claim form from GOV.UK or by calling the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a form. For postal applications, the DWP recently issued an important reminder: claimants should only write the Freepost address on the envelope, with no postcode and no stamp required.
Understanding Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision due to a long-term physical or mental condition or disability. The key eligibility factor is how the condition affects the individual, not the condition itself.
It is not means-tested, meaning income and savings do not affect eligibility, and it can be claimed even if you are working or studying. The money can be spent on anything that makes life easier; it does not have to be used to pay for formal care.
Claiming Attendance Allowance does not reduce other benefits and may even increase them. It can also help a carer qualify for Carer’s Allowance. Importantly, carers with their own disability can claim Attendance Allowance for themselves without it affecting any Carer’s Allowance they receive.
