Over a million people could be missing out on a benefit which is worth up to £5,300 per year. About 1.9 million people claim Attendance Allowance, according to figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Attendance Allowance helps those who have a disability or health condition severe enough that they need someone to help look after them with extra costs. It is paid at two rates, with the amount received depending on the level of care required. While almost two million people are reported to claim the benefit, some who are eligible do not, according to a report authored by Policy in Practice and Money Saving Expert. The report warns that more than 1.1 million pension-age households may be missing out on £5.2 billion worth of Attendance Allowance per year.
It states that extra income to help with disability can make a “significant” difference to people of pension age, with an award of Attendance Allowance worth up to £5,306 per year.
Those who are eligible can receive either the lower rate of £73.90 or the higher rate of £110.40 per week if they have a physical or mental disability or a health condition and are of State Pension age or older.
Attendance Allowance doesn’t cover mobility costs, and in Scotland, there is a different benefit altogether.
If someone receives Attendance Allowance, they could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or see their Council Tax reduced too.
Recipients of Attendance Allowance also don’t have to have someone caring for them, either. Although they do need to have required help for at least six months.
To be eligible for the lower rate, an applicant would need to require frequent help or constant supervision during the daytime or be supervised at night.
For the higher rate, a person would need to have help or supervision day and night. They would also be eligible if a medical professional has said they are nearing the end of their life.
A claimant must also usually be resident in the UK, with Armed Forces personnel and their family members an exception to the rule.
Recipients need to lived in Britain for at least two of the past three years and be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or Channel Islands.
Eligibility also requires an applicant to not be subject to immigration control, unless the claimant is a sponsored migrant.
In addition, applicants can’t receive any of these benefits: Disability Living Allowance; Personal Independence Payment; Adult Disability Payment; Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment.
UK nationals who live in or move to a country within the European Union, European Economic area or who move to Switzerland might also be able to get Attendance Allowance.
Those who live in a care home don’t usually receive the benefit if that care is paid for by their council. If they pay for their costs themselves, then it is possible to claim.
DWP guidance states applicants need only attend an eligibility check if it is not clear how a disability or health condition affects them.
Applicants who do have to get assessed should receive a letter telling them why and where to go. A medic will examine them as part of the process.
Changes in circumstances should be reported to the Attendance Allowance helpline as the amount may go up or down as a result. The number is 0800 731 0122.
How to apply for Attendance Allowance
You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post.
To apply online requires the applicant’s National Insurance number, address and contact details, details of the disability or health condition, GP surgery or medical centre details and care home, hospital or hospice details if they are currently living in one.
By post, print and send the completed Attendance Allowance claim form from the DWP website to: Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance.
Alternatively, you can contact the helpline to request a claim form.
After a claim is submitted, applicants should be contacted by phone or receive a letter within three weeks letting them know when to expect a decision.
Once a decision is made, they will get a letter explaining the outcome. If the application is approved, they should then be told when to expect the first payment.
Those who apply online should see their start date set on the date the claim was made. A claim will start on the date the form sent by post is received by DWP.
Approved claims made by phone to the helpline should start on the date the call was made if the form is returned within six weeks.
