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Pensioners Missing Out on £114 Weekly Benefit
4 Sep
Summary
- Over a million pensioners may be missing out on a key benefit.
- Attendance Allowance offers up to £114.60 weekly and is not means-tested.
- Eligibility requires a need for care or supervision for at least six months.
A substantial number of UK pensioners, estimated at over a million, may be unaware of their eligibility for Attendance Allowance, a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit. This allowance is intended for individuals aged 66 and above who have disabilities or serious health conditions requiring ongoing care.
The benefit is paid at two rates: £76.70 or £114.60 per week, depending on the level of care needed. This can amount to an annual sum of up to £5,959.20. Crucially, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning it is available to eligible individuals regardless of their income or savings.
Eligibility hinges on a demonstrable need for help with daily living or supervision to avoid danger for at least six months. This includes assistance with bodily functions, mobility, or cognitive support. A wide array of conditions, from arthritis and heart disease to dementia and visual impairments, can qualify claimants.
Those already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are not eligible for Attendance Allowance, as these benefits are generally more comprehensive. The application process requires applicants to be living in Great Britain and have resided there for at least two of the preceding three years.
Support is available for completing the application, with organizations like Citizens Advice and Age UK offering guidance. While most applications do not require a medical assessment, one may be conducted if there is doubt about how a condition affects daily life.
