Brits are being urged to check if they are eligible for a benefit worth up to £434 every month. Those living with 10 relatively common health conditions, along with a number of other disabilities and illnesses, could qualify for the cash support.
Currently around 1.6 million people in the UK are claiming Attendance Allowance, figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show. The tax-free benefit is not means-tested and worth either £72.65 (classed as the lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week.
As reported by the Daily Record, Attendance Allowance is typically paid every four weeks. This equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period – totalling £5,644.60 during the current financial year.
And from April this year, weekly payments are set to rise to £73.90 (lower rate) and £110.40 (higher rate). The money is there to help people of State Pension age with a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for them to look after themselves.
However, it is worth noting that it does not cover mobility needs. Moreover, you do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
The list of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is long, but the most common disabling condition – an umbrella term used by the DWP – is arthritis, which provides support for 469,902 people across the UK.
As per DWP data, the 10 conditions listed below support 1,165,693 (74 percent) of the 1.6m total number of people receiving Attendance Allowance payments.
- Arthritis – 469,902 claimants
- Dementia – 170,225
- Heart disease – 120,914
- Respiratory conditions – 100,530
- Disease of the muscles, bones or joints – 83,594
- Cerebrovascular disease – 73,475
- Back pain – 72,553
- Visual disorders and diseases – 50,107
- Parkinson’s – 43,367
- Neurological conditions – 34,804.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
- Paying for taxis
- Helping towards bills
- Paying for a cleaner or gardener.
How to claim
You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. To apply, you’ll need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your address and contact details
- Details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
- Details of your GP surgery or medical centre
- Details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one.
For more information or to claim visit gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim.
You should note that you won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care.
