More than a million people are missing out on key financial help that is worth at least £3,700. According to Money Saving Expert, founded by Martin Lewis, those eligible could be failing to receive even more money aimed at helping pensioners who are disabled or ill.
Posting on Instagram the experts warned: “Over one million disabled or ill pensioners are likely missing out on Attendance Allowance. It’s a non-means-tested benefit worth a minimum £3,700 a year that helps to support those over 66 in their daily lives.
“PLUS it can unlock £1,000s in extra help too. If you know someone that might be eligible, tap the link in our bio @moneysavingexp for full details – including where to get one-on-one help with applying.”
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. According to the government website it’s paid at 2 different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition.
It advises: “You could get £72.65 or £108.55 a week to help with personal support if both of the following apply:
- you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
- you’re State Pension age or older
“It does not cover mobility needs. You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.”
MSE raised the issue after one person contacted the site to say they had followed advice issued by the MSE team and got an increase for their mother. They said: “I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for bringing this to my attention.
“I applied for the higher-rate Attendance Allowance on my mother’s behalf on 2 December, and I’m pleased to share that it has just been approved, getting the full amount of £108.55 a week (£5,644 a year). The funds will go towards paying for the stairlift she recently had fitted – something that will make a huge difference for her. Without your guidance, I wouldn’t have even known about this.”
Who is eligible
Attendance Allowance is payable to people who have reached State Pension age and the following apply:
- you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition
- 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
- you have needed that help for at least 6 months
There are different eligibility rules if you’re nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness). You might be able to get Attendance Allowance more quickly and at a higher rate.
You must also:
- be in Great Britain when you claim – there are some exceptions, such as members and family members of the armed forces
- have been in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
- not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)
- not get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
If you’re in a care home
You cannot usually get Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority. You can still claim Attendance Allowance if you pay for all your care home costs yourself.
Do you need an assessment?
You’ll only need to attend an assessment to check your eligibility if it’s unclear how your disability or health condition affects you. If you do need an assessment you’ll get a letter saying why and where you must go. During the assessment, a medical professional will need to examine you.
How to claim
You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. There’s a different way to claim:
- in Northern Ireland
- if you’re nearing the end of life (for example, because you have a life-limiting illness)
To apply, you’ll need:
- your National Insurance number
- your address and contact details
- details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
- details of your GP surgery or medical centre
- details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one
Apply online
The new service will accept a limited number of applications each week. You cannot apply online if you:
- are an appointee
- have power of attorney
Apply by post
You can either:
- print and send the Attendance Allowance claim form
- contact the helpline to request a claim form
Attendance Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Where to send the form
Send the completed form to:
Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance
Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp. The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it.
What happens next
After you send your claim, you’ll get a text or letter within three weeks that explains when you can expect a decision. Once a decision is made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome.
If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, the decision letter will tell you when you’ll get your first payment. If you apply online, your claim will start on the date you make your claim.
If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives it. If you call the helpline to get a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within 6 weeks).