Some persons with back discomfort might get more than £400 per month from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP has revealed fresh statistics indicating that over 1.6 million older individuals are now getting extra financial assistance under the Attendance Allowance.
The benefit, which costs either £72.65 or £108.55 a week, is intended to help people of State Pension age with their daily living expenses. It does not have a mobility component since it is not a means-tested benefit.
Arthritis remains the most frequent condition among Britain’s over 470,000 retirees. However, 72,553 people over the age of 66 seek assistance for back problems.
Back pain, especially lower back pain, is quite common, and although it normally resolves within a few weeks, it may stay longer or recur. Every day of the year, over 2.5 million individuals in the UK suffer from back pain, and many are unaware that they may be eligible for financial assistance to help with any additional expenses caused by their disease.
Many more individuals may be eligible for Attendance Allowance but may not know enough to file a claim. According to the Daily Record, here’s all you need to know about the perk, including how to apply.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Attendance Allowance?
- 2 Who is eligible?
- 3 How much could you receive from Attendance Allowance?
- 4 Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
- 5 Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
- 6 How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
- 7 How do I make a claim?
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit intended to assist with extra expenditures if you have a serious physical or mental impairment or sickness that makes self-care difficult. It is crucial to highlight, however, that it does not address mobility issues.
You may still apply for this allowance if you do not presently have a caregiver.
Who is eligible?
If you have a disability or sickness and need help or supervision during the day or night, you should apply for Attendance Allowance. This includes requiring assistance with personal care duties such as dressing, eating, getting in and out of bed, showering, using the restroom, or being safe.
You are particularly urged to apply if you have difficulty with personal duties, such as those that take a long time, cause discomfort, or need physical assistance, such as leaning on a chair. The allowance isn’t only for those with physical disabilities or illnesses.
If you need assistance or supervision during the day or night owing to a mental health illness, learning challenges, or a sensory issue (such as being deaf or visually impaired), you should file a claim.
How much could you receive from Attendance Allowance?
You may be eligible for £72.65 if you need assistance during the day or at night, or £108.55 if you need assistance both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, so you might get £290.60 or £434.20 every payment period.
The money may be spent anyway you see appropriate, perhaps allowing you to preserve your freedom at home for an extended length of time. This might involve covering taxi tickets, contributing to bills, or hiring a maid or gardener.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, therefore it makes no difference what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings; there is no limit.
It is also tax-free, and you are exempt from the Benefit Cap, so no money will be deducted from your other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it will not impact your State Pension, and you may even claim it while still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include: Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, Council Tax Reduction.
How do I make a claim?
When applying for Attendance Allowance, you will be required to fill out a large claim form.
It may seem overwhelming at first, but aid is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying. If you want to do it yourself, you can find a Citizens Advice advice on how to fill out your claim form here.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you’re thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you could be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) right then, since you might possibly get more money. However, if you currently get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay your care expenses, you will be ineligible for attendance allowance.
If you apply for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually examine your DLA award instead. When your existing PIP or DLA award expires, you may renew it if you still match the qualifying requirements.
If your renewal is unsuccessful, you may apply for Attendance Allowance. Visit the GOV.UK website for further information about Attendance Allowance.
Also See: DWP warns pensioners not to miss key winter fuel payment deadline today
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