Millions of State Pensioners could be in line for an income boost exceeding £5,000 if they live with a specific health condition. Elderly individuals suffering from long-term illnesses, disabilities or physical or mental health conditions might not be aware that they could be eligible for support through Attendance Allowance.
The DWP has listed 48 conditions for which support is available. This benefit, which is not means-tested, can provide either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week.
Typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period – a total of £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year. This makes it considerably more valuable than the one-off annual Winter Fuel Payment, offering an additional £5,314 in financial support.
However, if you’re over 66 and on a low income, it’s crucial to check your entitlement to Pension Credit, which is worth approximately £4,200 annually and can provide access to other support, including help with housing costs, Council Tax and Winter Fuel Payments. To quickly check eligibility for Pension Credit, older individuals, or their friends and family, can use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.
Pensioners are being urged to contact the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234, which is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, to make a claim. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed that as of May 2024, over 1.6 million people above State Pension age were receiving additional financial aid through Attendance Allowance.
If you need extra support due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, it’s recommended to check the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV. UK website.
What is Attendance Allowance?
It’s a benefit designed to help with extra costs if you have a severe physical or mental disability or illness that makes self-care difficult – it does not cover mobility needs. You don’t need to have a carer to make a claim.
You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help. This could include assistance with personal care such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and using the toilet, or help to stay safe.
If you find personal tasks challenging, whether they’re time-consuming, cause discomfort, or require physical help, it might be worth applying for Attendance Allowance. This benefit isn’t just for those with physical disabilities or illnesses.
It’s also available if you need assistance or supervision throughout the day or night due to mental health issues, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions such as deafness or visual impairment. The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is paid at the same rate as Attendance Allowance, which could be either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) per week.
This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every four weeks. The funds can be used in any way you see fit and could help maintain your independence at home.
Crucially, Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so your savings and other income won’t affect your eligibility.