The money is paid to those over state pension age who need help with everyday tasks due to illness or disability – but many are missing out
More than a million pensioners are thought to be missing out on a benefit worth up to £110.40 a week – money that could help cover rising food, heating and care costs.
The attendance allowance, paid to those over state pension age who need help with everyday tasks due to illness or disability, is currently being claimed by 1.9 million people across Britain, according to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
But official estimates suggest a further 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming – meaning billions of pounds in support is going unclaimed each year. The tax-free benefit is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect eligibility. Many pensioners wrongly believe it is only for those who have a full-time carer, but in fact it can be claimed even if no outside help is currently provided.
Who can claim?
Applicants must have reached state pension age and needed care or supervision for at least six months because of a physical or mental condition, or a learning difficulty. Those with terminal illnesses can apply immediately without waiting.
The most common conditions among current claimants are arthritis, dementia and heart disease, DWP data shows. To qualify, you must live in Great Britain and have been here for two of the past three years.
You cannot receive attendance allowance at the same time as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Those whose care home fees are covered by the local council are also ineligible, although people who self-fund can still apply.
How much is it worth?
The benefit is paid at two rates depending on the level of care required:
- Lower rate: for those who need help during the day or at night.
- Higher rate: for those who need help both day and night, or are terminally ill.
- At the top rate, payments total £110.40 a week, equivalent to £5,740 a year.
How to claim
Pensioners can apply online or by post. Applicants will need details including:
- National Insurance number
- Address and contact details
- GP or medical centre information
- Details of any care home, hospital or hospice stay
A decision letter is normally sent within three weeks, and payments are made every four weeks directly into a bank account. Some applicants may be asked to attend an assessment to determine how their condition affects them.
Full details and forms can be found on the Government’s website under “Attendance Allowance” here.
