State pensioners are now eligible for an extra £114 per week from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through Attendance Allowance, following a rate increase for the upcoming year. The benefit, which previously stood at £110, has been raised to £114, offering additional financial support on top of regular pension payments.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit designed to help older people with disabilities or illnesses who require assistance with personal care or supervision. According to Age UK, the money received is not taxable and does not affect savings or income, nor does it impact other benefits. In fact, claiming Attendance Allowance can unlock additional support such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify, individuals must have a disability or physical/mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments, dementia, or other conditions, and have needed help for at least six months. The exception is for those who are terminally ill, who can claim immediately. The help required includes personal care tasks like washing or dressing, or supervision to ensure safety during the day or night.
Expert advice from Martin Lewis
Financial expert Martin Lewis has highlighted the broad definition of "help" for Attendance Allowance, citing a 1981 legal ruling that includes assistance with bodily functions such as breathing, hearing, seeing, eating, drinking, walking, sitting, sleeping, getting in or out of bed, dressing, undressing, and eliminating waste. He noted that the benefit is common for people with Parkinson's, physical disabilities, dementia, or terminal illness, and that applications can be made on someone else's behalf if they have Power of Attorney or are capable of understanding.
How to claim
Claims can be made directly through the DWP, and the increased rate of £114 per week applies from the start of the new financial year. The benefit is designed to help older people maintain independence and cover additional costs associated with their care needs.
