Attendance Allowance claim form tips which could help more older people get up to £101 each week
11.05.2023 - 04:07
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Attendance Allowance is a benefit delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness, disability or mental health condition. Following the annual benefits uprating in April, successful claimants will receive either £68.10 or £101.75 each week depending on the level of support they need, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £272.40 and £407.00 respectively.
A little extra money can go a long way and you can use it however you like to meet your needs and help you stay independent in your own home longer - the money doesn’t have to be spent on a carer. The benefit, designed specifically to help older people, is tax-free and won't affect any other State support you receive.
It is not means-tested either, so, unlike Pension Credit, income from any retirement earnings or savings will not be taken into account. If your claim is successful you could also qualify for the £150 disability cost of living payment due to be made to six million people this summer.
The latest figures from the DWP show that in August 2022 there were 1,417,159 people across Great Britain claiming the benefit, including 125,279 living in Scotland.
Below is a quick guide to the benefit to help you decide if you should make a claim along with an overview of the lengthy application form and top tips to make the process a bit easier.
You can claim Attendance Allowance if you meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
are over State Pension age (if you haven't reached it, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead)
could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep