State pensioners can increase their income by up to £114.60 a week thanks to a benefit that many could be missing out on. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs and is available to older Brits who have a disability or health condition severe enough that they require someone to help look after them.
The financial support is paid at two different rates: £76.70 or £114.60. The amount you are rewarded depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition. You must be of state pension age or older, and have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition, to be eligible for the benefit.
It is also important to note that you do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim. Those who end up getting Attendance Allowance could also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Applying for Attendance Allowance is fairly easy and can be done online or by post.
If you live in Scotland, you must apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance.
Send the completed form to:
Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance
You must not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. The form comes with notes instructing you on how to complete it.
After you send your claim, you’ll get a text or letter within 3 weeks that explains when you can expect a decision. Once a decision is made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome.
If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, the decision letter will tell you when you’ll get your first payment.
For online applicants, your claim will start on the date you make your claim.
Those who print and post the form will have their claim start on the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives it.
If you call the helpline to get a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within 6 weeks).
