The DWP has now launched a new online claim service for Attendance Allowance, the payment is for those of State Pension age and over to get extra help with daily living expenses
The most recent data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals there are currently almost 1.7 million elderly people receiving extra financial assistance through Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is valued at either £73.90 or £110.40 each week and was created to help people of State Pension age with everyday living costs.
These payments are distributed every four weeks. The benefit aids people with a disability, chronic illness and mental or physical health conditions.
The catalogue of conditions supported via Attendance Allowance is extensive, nearly 50, but the most common disabling condition – an umbrella term employed by the DWP – is arthritis, which offers support for 483,376 people throughout Great Britain, reports the Daily Record.
For anyone contemplating submitting a new application for Attendance Allowance, guidance on GOV.UK indicates that the new online service will only process a “limited number of applications each week”. It’s vital to recognise that you cannot apply online using a mobile phone or tablet, it must be a desktop or laptop computer.
People can also apply for Attendance Allowance via post by either printing and submitting the claim form available on GOV.UK, or by ringing the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request one. The DWP has updated its guidance for those applying by post, reminding claimants not to “write anything except the Freepost address on the envelope” – they also clarified that it does not require a postcode or a stamp.
A DWP spokesperson recently commented on the online application process: “We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no-one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post.”
Attendance Allowance is worth either £295.60 (lower rate) or £441.60 (higher rate) every four-week payment period. The amount someone receives depends on the level of support needed and the benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
It’s crucial to note there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
Main health conditions and number of claimants across Great Britain
This list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
The top 10 most-claimed Attendance Allowance health conditions are:
- Arthritis – 483,376 clamants
- Dementia – 173,179 claimants
- Heart Disease – 124,528 claimants
- Respiratory Conditions – 104,098 claimants
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints – 86,319
- Cerebrovascular Disease – 74,716
- Back Pain – 74,804
- Visual Disorders and Diseases – 50,993
- Parkinson’s – 44,440 claimants
- Neurological Conditions – 35,597 claimants
Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance assists with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself – it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Who can claim?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don’t currently get that help.
This might include:
- Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet.
- Help to stay safe.
If you struggle with personal tasks, such as needing a long time to complete them, experiencing pain, or requiring physical assistance like a chair to lean on, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. It’s not just for those with a physical disability or illness.
You’re also eligible to claim if you require help or supervision throughout the day or night due to:
- a mental health condition,
- learning difficulties,
- or a sensory condition – such as being deaf or visually impaired.
How much you could receive on Attendance Allowance
You could be entitled to either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) per week. This equates to either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period.
The money can be spent however you wish and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for longer.
This might include:
- paying for taxis,
- contributing towards bills,
- or hiring a cleaner or gardener.
Can you claim Attendance Allowance even if you have savings and other income?
Absolutely. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so your other income or savings don’t matter – there’s no limit. Plus, it’s tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning you won’t lose money from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?
No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
If you’re eligible for Attendance Allowance, you might also see an increase in other benefits such as:
- Extra Pension Credit.
- Housing Benefit Reduction.
- Council Tax Reduction.
Wondering how to claim?
Don’t be put off by the lengthy claim form required for Attendance Allowance. Assistance is readily available from your local Citizens Advice. If you’d rather tackle it yourself, there’s a handy guide on the Citizens Advice website on how to fill in your claim form.
You can find full details on how to get the application form by post or over the phone on the GOV.UK website.
What if you’re nearing State Pension age?
If you’re considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately – you could receive more money.
Who’s not eligible for Attendance Allowance?
You won’t be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award ends, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
