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Pensioners are urged to check for unclaimed benefit worth up to £458 a month (Image: Getty)
Pensioners are urged to check if they’re missing out on financial help worth up to, £458.40 a month. If you are living with a long-term health condition or disability you could be eligible for a benefit known as Attendance Allowance.
As reported by the Daily Record, more than one million people above State Pension age who are living with a long-term health condition or disability could be missing out on Attendance Allowance. This is according to estimates from MoneySavingExpert (MSE.com) and Policy in Practice.
The consumer website, founded by Martin Lewis, suggests Attendance Allowance is one of the most under-claimed benefits, with as many as 1.1 million missing out on up to £5.2 billion a year. Two years ago, MSE.com launched a comprehensive online guide to Attendance Allowance, and successes have flooded in since.
However, the team of experts at MSE.com say the tax-free disability benefit – which is not means-tested – is “still massively under-claimed” and have updated the guide to cover “who is eligible and how to claim the right way”.
The complete guide is available to view on MSE.com.
Attendance Allowance is for older people with a disability or long-term illness or health condition (Image: Getty)
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Attendance Allowance in a nutshell
More than 1.7 million people over State Pension age across Great Britain are now receiving up to £458 each month through Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP – which is available in Scotland).
Attendance Allowance and PADP are paid independently of the State Pension and other benefits, but can provide additional financial support for older people with a disability, long-term illness, physical or mental health condition.
Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested and worth either £76.70 for the lower rate or £114.60 for the higher rate each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £306.80 or £458.40 every payment period.
Pensioners could add up to £5,959 to their annual income to help with the extra costs through either of the disability benefits.
How much someone receives for Attendance Allowance or PADP depends on the level of support needed. The benefit is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses as a result of their condition which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer.
It’s important to be aware there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance or PADP.
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance and PADP
The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system. PADP also supports people with these conditions.
However, it’s important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance or PADP, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Trauma to Limbs
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular Disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinsons Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic Disease
- Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Learning Difficulties
- Psychosis
- Psychoneurosis
- Personality Disorder
- Dementia
- Behavioural Disorder
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Renal Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Haemophilia
- Multi System Disorders
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
- Skin Disease
- Malignant Disease
- Severely Mentally impaired
- Double Amputee
- Deaf/Blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total Parenteral Nutrition
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19
Below is an overview of what you should know about Attendance Allowance, including how to start your application. Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
It is also worth considering making a claim for Attendance Allowance – or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) if you or a family member are below State Pension age.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps 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.
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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
You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive £76.70 if you need help during the day or at night or £114.60 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £306.80 or £458.40 every pay period.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect 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?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
Housing Benefit Reduction
How do I make a claim?
You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form put you off applying.
If you’d prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Full details on how to make a claim for PADP through Social Security Scotland can be found here.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away – you may be able to get more money.
