As many as 1.1 million individuals may be overlooking the opportunity to claim Attendance Allowance, a benefit that can amount to £441 per month. These findings come from Policy in Practice, which is encouraging individuals to explore potential additional assistance they might be eligible for. Attendance Allowance is provided to individuals above state pension age who require extra support or supervision due to a disability or illness. Eligibility also extends to those facing prolonged completion of everyday tasks or experiencing pain and discomfort in doing so, with a requirement of at least six months of assistance due to their condition.
The value of Attendance Allowance stands at £73.90 per week for those needing assistance or supervision during the day or at night, and £110.40 per week for those requiring help throughout both day and night or approaching end-of-life care. The benefit is dispensed every four weeks by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), potentially amounting to £295.60 or £441.60 per payment cycle. Notably, having a caregiver is not a prerequisite for eligibility.
Recipients can utilize the funds for various purposes such as transportation or hiring household help to maintain independence. It is crucial to inform the DWP of any changes in circumstances, as this could impact the amount of Attendance Allowance received. Unlike means-tested benefits, Attendance Allowance does not impose a savings limit, is tax-free, and exempts recipients from the benefit cap. Furthermore, receiving Attendance Allowance may lead to an increase in other benefits, excluding the possibility of claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) simultaneously.
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been substituted by Pension Age Disability Payment. Claiming Attendance Allowance involves either mailing the completed claim form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance or contacting the Attendance Allowance helpline for assistance. Applicants must articulate how their illness or disability affects their daily life and provide supporting documentation like GP letters, care plans, or prescription details. Some applicants may undergo an assessment before receiving Attendance Allowance, unless they are terminally ill, in which case they qualify for the higher rate without delay.