State pensioners born before 1959, who have disabilities or health conditions, have been told of ‘new way’ to claim £434 a month.
State pensioners born before 1959 can send off a form for a free £434 a month which is NOT MEANS TESTED. State pensioners born before 1959, who have disabilities or health conditions, have been told of ‘new way’ to claim £434 a month.
More than 1.6 million people are currently claiming Attendance Allowance – with older people urged to check their eligibility. The DWP has introduced an online application system for the benefit last year, with a limited number of applications each week.
To apply by post, individuals should call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to request a form. On its website, Money Saving Expert says: “Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested weekly payment to help cover costs of pensioners (aged 66+) who need someone to ‘attend’ them.
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“You can get it if you have a long-term health condition that means you need help with daily tasks. This includes sensory disabilities (such as blindness), or learning difficulties. You must have needed help or supervision for at least six consecutive months, or have been told by a medical professional that you have 12 months or less to live.
The lower rate is £72.65 a week (£3,778 a year). You’ll get this if you need help or supervision during EITHER the day OR the night. The higher rate is £108.55 a week (£5,644 a year). You’ll get this if you need help or supervision during both the day AND the night, or if a medical professional has said you have 12 months or less to live.
One MSE reader gushed: “I applied for Attendance Allowance for my husband and today the first payment was made (even before a letter arrived telling us!). He’s entitled to the upper limit, which is even more than we could’ve hoped for.
“At the same time, I optimistically applied for a blue badge for him too and again, confirmation of this being approved arrived today! Without the advice on the MSE email we would not have even been aware of being eligible. THANK YOU MSE team.”
