State pensioners who receive the Attendance Allowance benefit may be able to increase their monthly payments by £146.
The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Attendance Allowance benefit is for people aged over the state pension age (currently 66) who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or a disability. The money, which aims to help people stay independent in their own homes for longer, is paid at two rates, based on how much help a person might need. However, some claimants, whose health may have deteriorated or who have experienced more health issues since their initial award, may need to contact the DWP to notify them of changes in their circumstances.
By doing this, claimants who are currently receiving the lower rate could see their entitlement rise to the full rate of payment.
This year, the lower weekly rate of Attendance Allowance is worth £73.90. If people were moved to the higher rate, their payments would rise to £110.40 a week.
The benefit is paid every four weeks, so the total monthly rate would increase by £146 from £295.60 to £441.60.
The DWP lists nine changes in circumstances a person must report, which could largely affect both the payment rate and eligibility for the benefit. Therefore, while contacting the DWP is essential to potentially receive an increased payment, it’s also crucial in preventing being landed with any penalties.
Those claiming or applying for Attendance Allowance must report the following changes to the DWP:
- The level of help they need or their condition changes – details must be provided, such as if the number of times they need help each day has changed
- They go into hospital or a care home – they’ll need to provide the address, the dates they’ve been there, and how their stay is paid for
- A medical professional has said they might have 12 months or less to live
- They leave the country for more than four weeks
- They go to prison
- They change their name, address or bank details
- They want to stop receiving the benefit
- Their doctor’s details change
- Their immigration status changes if they’re not a British citizen.
If a claimant experiences a change in circumstance, they can report it using the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, textphone at 0800 731 0317, or via Relay UK (if they cannot hear or speak on the phone), on 18001 then 0800 731 0122.
It isn’t a means-tested benefit, which means current savings or income won’t affect the claim, nor will it impact other benefits received. In fact, it could help people qualify for other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction.
Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
Claimants must be over the state pension age (66) and have a type of disability or illness. This can include a broad range of conditions, such as learning difficulties, sight or hearing impairments, mobility issues such as arthritis, or mental health issues such as dementia.
It must be clear that claimants could benefit from help with personal care. Claimants must have needed help for at least six months, but those who are terminally ill can claim the benefit straight away.
Britons don’t need to have had a diagnosis for their condition to apply for Attendance Allowance. However, the benefit can’t be claimed if a person already gets Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
To claim, people need to fill out an Attendance Allowance form, clearly outlining the help they do need, as well as the help they don’t, in order to get the benefit. A form can be picked up by either calling the helpline on 0800 731 0122 or downloading it from the Government website, here.
