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By the end of February 2024, more than 1.6 million elderly people were getting additional financial aid via Attendance Allowance, according to new data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
As reported by The Mirror, Attendance Allowance, which provides aid to individuals living with a disability, long-term illness, and mental or physical health conditions and more than 40 conditions, has a lower rate of £72.65 per week with £108.55 offered to those on the higher rate per week.
Claimants of the benefit, which can provide as much as £5,644.60 a year in support, typically receive payments every four weeks, equating to either £290.60 or £434.20 depending on the rate. These funds can be spent however their eligible wish.
The amount received depends on how much support is needed, with the benefit designed to assist people of State Pension age facing daily living costs and help retain their independence in their home.
However, Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs, according to Gov.uk.
DWP describes all the health issues covered by the benefit as disabling conditions, of which arthritis is the most commonly claimed, with 460,993 receiving support for it in Great Britain.
People can apply for Attendance Allowance if they have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night. You don’t require someone to be caring for you to be eligible.
The Mirror sourced all the conditions covered from data recorded on the DWP’s Attendance Allowance computer system but notes that the list is a guide to help people understand what conditions could make them eligible rather than a checklist.
Those who need additional assistance during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability, or health condition should check the relevant official eligibility guidance on the government website.
These can include help with personal care (things like getting dressed, eating or drinking, bathing or showering, getting in and out of bed, going to the toilet and helping to stay safe).
People can claim Attendance Allowance even if they have other income and savings as it isn’t means-tested. It is also tax-free, and you won’t be subject to the Benefit Cap, which ensures no money is taken away from any other benefits you may be receiving, according to the outlet.
Those receiving Attendance Allowance may also be eligible for other forms of financial support, including Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction.
It also doesn’t affect your state pension, with people being able to claim it even if they’re working and earning money. If you’re considering claiming an Attendance Allowance upon reaching the State Pension age, you could receive more money by claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately. Check official advice to see if this is a possibility.
Recipients of PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover care costs aren’t eligible for Attendance Allowance. People receiving the DLA typically have this support assessed by the DWP instead. If you remain eligible, PIP or DLA can be renewed when the current award ends.
If you aren’t eligible to renew, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance applicants will need to fill out a lengthy claim form. Still, assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age, and you can find instructions on how to get the application form by post or phone on the GOV. UK.
You can find a list of the conditions that could make you eligible below.
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