The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is providing certain state pensioners with an additional £5,959 on top of their regular payments. The DWP state pension has increased to over £12,000 for those receiving the new full rate.
Attendance Allowance Explained
Pensioners can also apply for an extra benefit known as Attendance Allowance. This benefit is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care required due to a disability or health condition.
You could receive £76.70 or £114.60 per week to help with personal support if both of the following apply: you have a physical or mental disability, or a health condition, and you are of State Pension age or older.
What Attendance Allowance Covers
Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs. However, receiving it may make you eligible for additional Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Eligibility Criteria
You can get Attendance Allowance if:
- You have a physical disability (including sensory disabilities like blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition.
- Your disability or health condition is severe enough that you need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you for safety reasons.
- You have needed that help for at least six months.
How to Apply
To apply for Attendance Allowance, it is best to call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to request an application form. If you order a claim form over the phone, your claim can be backdated to the date of your call, rather than the date you return the completed form.
You have six weeks from the date stamped on the form to complete and return it.
If Your Claim Is Denied
If you believe something has gone wrong and wish to challenge the decision—for example, if you did not qualify for Attendance Allowance or received a lower rate than expected—you can contact Independent Age for assistance.
