The Department for Work and Pensions is reaching out to state pensioners within the next three weeks regarding their Attendance Allowance claims. This tax-free benefit can provide up to £5,959.20 per year, with weekly payments of either £76.70 or £114.60, equating to a base amount of £307. It is available to individuals aged 66 and over who have a disability or health condition requiring regular assistance or supervision.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applications can be submitted online or via post. After submitting a claim, applicants typically receive confirmation within three weeks, followed by a written decision detailing any payments awarded.
Required Information
To apply, you will need your National Insurance number, address, and contact details. Additionally, you must provide details of your disability or health condition requiring extra help, information about your GP surgery or medical centre, and details of any care home, hospital, or hospice you are currently staying in.
Application Methods
You can either print and send the Attendance Allowance claim form or contact the helpline to request a form. The DWP Attendance Allowance helpline is 0800 731 0122. For Relay UK users (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone), dial 18001 then 0800 731 0122. If applying by post, send the completed form to Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance. Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope; no postcode or stamp is needed.
Important Details
The form includes notes on how to fill it out. If you are awarded Attendance Allowance, the decision letter will indicate when your first payment will be made. For online applications, your claim starts on the date you submit it. If you print and post the form, your claim starts on the date the DWP receives it. If you call the helpline to get a form, your claim starts on the date of your call, provided you return the form within six weeks.
