The DWP has launched a new way for state pensioners to claim extra cash each month, which could help with rising living costs in their day to day life.
People who claim the state pension and have some form of disability will now be able to claim Attendance Allowance online.
Previously, pensioners could only apply through the post by either printing and submitting the Attendance Allowance claim form on GOV.UK, or by contacting the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request one.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which offers state pensioners either £72.65 or £108.55 each week.
The benefit is aimed at helping people with extra costs if they have a disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them.
At the end of February 2024 more than 1.6 million older people were receiving additional financial support, according to the latest figures from the DWP.
The benefit is aimed at helping people with extra costs if they have a disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them
PEXELS
The new guidance from the DWP explains that only a “limited number of applications” will be available each week.
To benefit from the online services, pensioners will need to apply early on a Monday as the DWP only have a limited amount of applications.
People cannot apply online if they are an appointee, have power of attorney or have been told they’re nearing the end of life.
Applicants will need to set aside time and have all their information to hand if they want to apply as they cannot stop half way through as it won’t save.
Attendance Allowance is worth either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks.
Each month, claimants can get either £290.60 or £434.20 – some £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year. The amount of money someone receives depends on the level of support needed.
People on the lower rate usually need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
Those on the higher rate usually need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said they’re nearing the end of life.
The benefit is designed to help people of state pension age – currently 66 – with daily living expenses which can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. It should be noted there is no mobility component attached to Attendance Allowance.
The most common conditions people who claim the allowance have are arthritis, dementia, heart disease, respiratory illness, muscle and bone conditions, cerebrovascular disease, back pain, visual disorders, Parkinson’s and neurological conditions.
As the new tool is getting developed, some may find they cannot apply when they attempt to use it.
The message reads: “You cannot apply online today. This is because the service is still being developed, only a limited number of people can apply online each week.
“More applications will become available every Monday. You can still apply by post.”
People can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. To apply, they’ll need:
- their National Insurance number
- their address and contact details
- details of the health condition or disability that they need extra help for
- details of their GP surgery or medical centre
When claiming Attendance Allowance, pensioners could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if they are eligible.
They can check with the helpline or office dealing with their benefit.
