ATTENDANCE allowance helps pensioners with extra costs if they have a physical or mental disability.
Around 1.8million people already receive the benefit but a further 3.4million are still missing out.
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Attendance allowance has the lowest uptake and highest rate of underpayment of all benefits.
But there are ways to check how much cash you are entitled to, and organisations that can help you check your application.
To make a claim, individuals have to fill out the attendance allowance claim form and return it to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
More information can be found on the government’s website.
What is attendance allowance?
Attendance allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
Those eligible for the full amount could get up to £4,804.50 a year – which works out at £400.40 a month.
Who can claim attendance allowance?
You can get attendance allowance as long as you’ve reached state pension age (currently 66) and the following applies:
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- You have a physical or mental disability or both
- Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself
- You have needed that help for at least six months (unless you’re terminally ill)
There are 57 categories of medical conditions you can claim with, but the most common ones are arthritis and dementia.
You can also claim for mental health conditions and learning difficulties.
To get the benefit, you must have been in Britain for at least two of the last three years, unless you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status.
If you live in a care home and pay for all the costs yourself, you’ll still be able to claim attendance allowance.
How much is attendance allowance?
The lower rate is worth £61.85 a week, while the higher rate comes in at £92.40 a week.
Over a whole year, the higher rate benefit adds up to £4,804.50, or £400.40 a month.
If you are entitled to the lower amount, you could be missing out on £3,216.20 a year, or £268.01 a month.
The difference between the higher and lower entitlement is £1,588.30.
If you receive the lower rate, you are entitled to frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
On the higher rate, you will get help or supervision throughout the day and night.
You are also entitled to this if a medical professional has said you might have six months or less to live.
Is attendance allowance means-tested?
Attendance allowance is not means tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you get.
It also doesn’t matter how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit.
Attendance allowance won’t affect your state pension and you can claim it if you’re still working and earning money.
