State pensioners born before 1959 can add up to £5,644 extra per year to their pension pot with a little-known benefit.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit that helps people with extra costs if they have a health condition or disability severe enough that you need someone to look after you.
Analysis from Policy in Practice found that just 69% of people who are eligible to claim Attendance Allowance are actually claiming it, meaning around 1.1 million people are missing out on thousands of pounds worth of support they are entitled to.
The benefit is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) at two different rates and the amount you get is dependent on the level of care you need.
Currently, the lower rate is £72.65 per week and is given to those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day or at night. If you qualify for this you can get a total of £3,777.80 over a year.
The higher rate is £108.55 and is given to those who need help or supervision throughout the day and night, or if a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life. If you qualify for the higher rate you can get £5,644.60 over a year.
You could also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance, so it’s worth checking if you qualify.
You can get Attendance Allowance if you’ve reached State Pension age – so those who were born before 1959 – AND if the following apply:
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you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
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your disability or health condition is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
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you have needed that help for at least six months
You must also live in Great Britain, or be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, and not be claiming Disability Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment.
You can apply for Attendance Allowance online via GOV.UK or by sending a claim form by post to Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance. You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form.
After you’ve applied you’ll get a tax or letter from the DWP within three weeks that explains when you can expect a decision. Once this is made you’ll get another letter explaining the outcome and if you’re awarded the benefit you’ll be told when to expect your first payment.
