People of State Pension age who live with a number of heart conditions could receive hundreds of pounds a month in extra financial support. Attendance Allowance payments are either £72.65 or £108.55 per week – or £290.60 or £434.20 every four-week pay period.
The benefit is intended to assist older individuals with additional daily living costs, enabling them to remain in their own homes for a longer period. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers support for a variety of health conditions via Attendance Allowance, with over 118,000 people currently receiving payments to help manage heart-related issues such as angina, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure.
Angina is characterised by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscles. While not typically life-threatening, it serves as a warning sign of potential risk for a heart attack or stroke. It is estimated that there are 96,000 new cases of angina each year, with around two million people in the UK now diagnosed with the condition.
If you’re living with a heart-related condition that makes everyday tasks like cooking, washing or dressing difficult, you could be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
This benefit is currently being claimed by a significant number of older people across the UK for heart conditions, reports the Daily Record. Here’s what you need to know about Attendance Allowance and how to apply via GOV. UK.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is designed to help cover the extra costs associated with having a severe physical or mental disability or illness that makes self-care challenging. It’s important to note that this benefit does not cater to mobility needs, and you don’t need to have a carer to make a claim.
You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness that requires 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 getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet.
It could also include help needed to ensure your safety.
If you struggle with personal tasks, such as needing a long time to complete them, experiencing pain, or requiring physical assistance like leaning on a chair, you should consider applying for Attendance Allowance. This benefit isn’t solely for individuals with physical disabilities or illnesses.
It’s also applicable if you require help or supervision throughout the day or night due to mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions like being deaf or visually impaired. .
How much you could get
The amount you could receive from Attendance Allowance varies. If you need help during the day or at night, you could receive £72.65.
However, if you require assistance both during the day and at night, or if you’re terminally ill, the amount increases to £108.55. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period.
The money can be used however you see fit, potentially helping you maintain your independence at home for longer. This could include covering taxi fares, contributing towards bills, or paying for services like a cleaner or gardener.
Even if you have savings and other income, you can still claim Attendance Allowance. As it’s not means-tested, your other income or savings won’t affect your eligibility.
Plus, it’s tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, so it won’t reduce any other benefits you receive. .
Finally, claiming Attendance Allowance won’t impact your State Pension. You can even claim it while you’re still working and earning money. If you receive Attendance Allowance, your other benefits might increase. These could include additional Pension Credit, a reduction in Housing Benefit, and a decrease in Council Tax.
How can I apply?
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. Although it may seem intimidating at first, assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying.
If you’d rather complete it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here. .
You won’t qualify for Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.