DWP payment could help those in need after Winter Fuel Payment cut

Winter Fuel Payment: Pensioners express anger with government

Sick and disabled older people who are losing Winter Fuel Payment could be entitled to another benefit worth much more from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it has emerged.

Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds has explained how disability benefits can provide a “tax-free, non-income-related contribution towards the extra costs people with a long-term health condition or disabilities can face, such as additional heating costs”.

The minister was challenged by Labour MP Dr Marie Tidball, who asked specifically what steps are being taken “to help mitigate the potential impact of the withdrawal of Winter Fuel Payments on disabled non-Pension Credit recipient pensioners”.

In response, the minister highlighted the fact that pensioners could be able to claim Attendance Allowance which, she said “can be worth up to £5,600 a year”.

Pensioners who qualify will receive either £72.65 or £108.55 each week depending on their needs. Payments are made every four weeks and work out at £290.60 or £434.20 respectively, equivalent to £3,77.80 or £5,644.60 each year.

Significantly, Attendance Allowance payments do not count towards income for other DWP means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.

In a written response on the issue, the Pensions Minister said: “Attendance Allowance can be worth up to £5,600 a year.

“Entitlement to Attendance Allowance is based on the ongoing need for frequent personal care and attention, or supervision to ensure personal safety, rather than on the individual’s medical condition. It is paid out of general taxation and is a tax-free, non-contributory, and non-means-tested benefit so is not affected by other income or savings.

“Pensioners in receipt of Attendance Allowance and on a low-income may qualify for Pension Credit including an additional amount for disability providing they meet the other eligibility criteria.”

The latest figures from the DWP show that at the end of February 2024, some 1.6 million older people were in receipt of Attendance Allowance.

 

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance

If you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.

Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain

Arthritis

Spondylosis

Back Pain

Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints

Trauma to Limbs

Visual Disorders and Diseases

Hearing Disorders

Heart Disease

Respiratory Disorders and Diseases

Asthma

Cystic Fibrosis

Cerebrovascular Disease

Peripheral vascular Disease

Epilepsy

Neurological Diseases

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s Disease

Motor Neurone Disease

Chronic Pain Syndromes

Diabetes Mellitus

Metabolic Disease

Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia

Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia

Learning Difficulties

Psychosis

Psychoneurosis

Personality Disorder

Dementia

Behavioural Disorder

Alcohol and Drug Abuse

Hyperkinetic Syndrome

Renal Disorders

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Bowel and Stomach Disease

Blood Disorders

Haemophilia

Multi System Disorders

Multiple Allergy Syndrome

Skin Disease

Malignant Disease

Severely Mentally impaired

Double Amputee

Deaf/Blind

Haemodialysis

Frailty

Total Parenteral Nutrition

AIDS

Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19

 

What needs are covered by a claim for Attendance Allowance?

 

Help with personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet

Help to stay safe

You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.

 

You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

a mental health condition

learning difficulties

a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired

Young Woman Reviewing Financial Documents

Pensioners who qualify will receive either £72.65 or £108.55 each week (Image: Getty)

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

You can spend the money however you like, and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.

This might include:

paying for taxis

helping towards bills

paying for a cleaner or gardener

Winter heating bill help

 

Can you claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits.

 

Will Attendance Allowance affect the State Pension?

No, it won’t affect the State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money.

 

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

Extra Pension Credit

Housing Benefit Reduction

Council Tax Reduction

 

How do I make a claim?

You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

 

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

You won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.

You May Also Like