The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that Attendance Allowance payments of up to £456 per month are available for state pensioners with four common health conditions. The benefit, worth £114 per week at the higher rate, is designed to help cover the costs of pensioners aged 66 and over who require someone to attend to their personal care needs.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit that is not means-tested, meaning your savings or income do not affect your eligibility. It is available to individuals with a long-term health condition that necessitates help with daily tasks. Age UK explains: "The money you receive isn't taxable or means-tested – so your savings or income won't affect your claim. Claiming also won't affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction."
Four Common Conditions Qualifying for Attendance Allowance
According to Martin Lewis, the BBC and ITV financial expert, the four conditions commonly claimed for are Parkinson's disease, physical disabilities, dementia, and terminal illness. He stated: "This is common for people with Parkinson’s, or physical disabilities, dementia or terminal illness and more." Attendance Allowance also covers a wide range of other disabilities, including sight or hearing impairments and mental health conditions.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must have needed help with personal care or supervision for at least six months. This requirement is waived for those who are terminally ill, who can claim immediately. Age UK notes: "You have any type of disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia. You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night."
Definition of 'Help' for Attendance Allowance
Martin Lewis clarified the legal definition of help, referencing a 1981 court ruling: "What defines help? Well the first one is help with daily living, and a famous old judge… in 1981 defined this and it still fits for today. This is help with bodily functions including breathing, hearing, seeing, eating, drinking, walking, sitting, sleeping, getting in or out of bed, dressing, undressing, eliminating waste products and the like. All of which an ordinary person who is not suffering from any disabilities does for himself."
How to Apply
Applications can be made on behalf of someone else if they are capable of understanding, or if the applicant has Power of Attorney, as Martin Lewis explained: "You can apply on someone else’s behalf as long as they are capable of understanding or you can sign it for them if you have Power of Attorney." The benefit is intended to help with additional costs arising from disability, and claiming it may also entitle pensioners to other support like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction.
