LONDON – Hundreds of thousands of state pensioners with health conditions could be eligible for up to £108.55 a week in extra financial support through a benefit known as Attendance Allowance. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) payment is designed to help cover the additional costs associated with long-term illness or disability, and it is not means-tested, meaning income and savings do not affect eligibility.
State pensioners
| Key Fact | Detail / Statistic |
| Benefit Name | Attendance Allowance, gov.uk |
| Maximum Payment | £108.55 per week (£434.20 per month) |
| Who Is Eligible? | Individuals over State Pension age with a long-term health condition. Citizens Advice |
| Key Feature | Tax-free and not based on income or savings. |
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit distributed by the DWP to help people who have reached State Pension age with the extra costs if they have a physical or mental disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them. It is intended for individuals who could benefit from assistance with personal care, suchas getting dressed or washed, or from supervision to ensure they remain safe.
Unlike many other benefits, this payment is awarded based on the help an individual needs, not the help they currently receive. This means someone can be eligible even if they do not have a carer or anyone assisting them at present. Officials stress that the allowance is intended to help people stay independent in their own homes for longer.
According to a statement from Age UK, a leading charity for older people, “Attendance Allowance is a crucial form of pensioner support that often goes unclaimed. We urge anyone who is struggling with a long-term health condition to look into this, as it is not dependent on your national insurance contributions and can unlock other forms of financial aid.”
Eligibility and Payment Rates
Eligibility for Attendance Allowance is not determined by a specific condition but by the level of care and supervision required because of it. The DWP assesses applicants based on how their illness or disability affects their daily lives.
Payment Tiers
There are two different weekly rates, and the amount a person receives depends on the level of help required:
- Lower Rate (£72.65 per week): Awarded to those who need frequent help or constant supervision during either the day or the night.
- Higher Rate (£108.55 per week): Awarded to those who need help or supervision throughout both the day and the night, or if they are diagnosed as terminally ill.
These payments are made tax-free every four weeks. Receiving Attendance Allowance can also help claimants qualify for other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or a Council Tax Reduction, potentially increasing their overall level of pensioner support.
Common Qualifying Conditions
While the DWP assesses every application on an individual basis, many common conditions can make someone eligible. According to information provided by the NHS, these frequently include, but are not limited to:
- Arthritis or other mobility issues
- Dementia or other cognitive impairments
- Heart or respiratory disease
- Sensory impairment (sight or hearing loss)
- Mental health conditions such as depression
How to Make a Claim
Applying for Attendance Allowance involves completing a detailed form, which can be downloaded from the government’s website or requested by calling the official helpline. The form asks for information about how an individual’s condition affects them and the type of help they need.
Charities such as Citizens Advice and Age UK offer free, confidential assistance with completing the application forms, which can be lengthy. Experts recommend providing as much detail as possible, including supporting evidence from doctors, specialists, or carers, to ensure the DWP has a full picture of the applicant’s needs.
A decision letter explaining whether the benefit will be awarded and at what rate is typically sent after the DWP has assessed the claim. The process can take several weeks, but payments are often backdated to the date the claim form was first received.
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FAQs
1. Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. It is not based on your income, savings, or National Insurance record. It is awarded purely based on your care and supervision needs.
2. Will claiming Attendance Allowance reduce my State Pension or other benefits?
No. It will not reduce your State Pension. In fact, receiving it can increase your entitlement to other benefits like Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
3. Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I live in a care home?
You can usually still receive Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home, provided you pay for all your care home costs yourself. If your care is paid for by the local authority, the allowance typically stops after 28 days.
