The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that state pensioners can receive an additional £459 on top of their state pension through Attendance Allowance. This tax-free, non-means-tested benefit is available to people over State Pension age who require help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability.
Attendance Allowance pays either £76.70 or £114.60 per week, depending on the level of care needed. The higher rate of £114.60 per week amounts to just under £459 per month, offering a significant financial boost to eligible retirees.
What Age UK says about claiming Attendance Allowance
Age UK states: "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."
The charity also clarifies the eligibility criteria: "You have any type of disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia." It adds that claimants could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep them safe during the day or night.
Age UK further notes: "You've needed help for at least six months. This doesn't apply if you're terminally ill, in which case you can make a claim straight away."
Martin Lewis explains what counts as 'help'
Martin Lewis, the BBC and ITV money expert, previously explained the definition of help for Attendance Allowance purposes. He cited a famous 1981 legal ruling that still applies 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."
The 54-year-old added: "That is the definition of help which is needed. You can see the broad range of people who this would impact."
Who can apply and how to do it
Lewis noted that Attendance Allowance is common for people with Parkinson's, physical disabilities, dementia, or terminal illness. He also explained that applications can be made on someone else's behalf, provided the claimant is capable of understanding, or with Power of Attorney.
Claiming Attendance Allowance can also unlock additional benefits, including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction, according to Age UK. This makes the benefit particularly valuable for pensioners on low incomes who may otherwise miss out on extra support.
