DWP payment worth up to £441 if you can provide seven things

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2 days ago

DWP payment worth up to £441 if you can provide seven things
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability or mental health condition
Attendance Allowance, a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is available to individuals over State Pension age who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. The weekly amount awarded, either £73.90 or £110.40, depends on the level of support needed.
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These payments are made every four weeks, totalling £295.60 or £441.60 respectively. This additional income can be used as you see fit to meet your needs and maintain independence in your own home - it doesn't necessarily have to be spent on a carer.
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This tax-free benefit, specifically designed to assist older people, won't impact any other state support you receive. Independent Age, a charity, has produced a factsheet to guide new claimants through the application process, along with seven top tips for completing the form.
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According to the most recent DWP figures, nearly 1.7 million people across Great Britain were claiming the benefit in August 2024, including 150,000 residing in Scotland. For money-saving tips, sign up to our Money newsletter here
However, those over State Pension age living in Scotland can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must instead apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). This devolved payment follows similar eligibility and payment rates as its DWP equivalent - more information can be found on mygov.scot., reports the Daily Record.
It's crucial to note that Attendance Allowance and PADP are not means-tested, so unlike Pension Credit, any income from retirement earnings or savings won't be considered.
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Top tips for completing Attendance Allowance application form
Independent Age advises: "The decision maker will use your claim form to work out whether you qualify for Attendance Allowance, so it's important to give as much detail as possible."
They recommend anyone completing the form should:
Explain how your condition affects your day-to-day life and what personal tasks you have difficulties with
Answer all the questions if you can and give examples
Include the time it takes you to carry out specific tasks and how much help you need with them, even if there's no one to help you
Explain how your needs change and how bad your difficulties can be if some days are better than others
Mention any things you avoid doing because they're difficult for you – for example, if it's difficult bending and reaching to put on and take off socks, even while you're sitting down
Explain what happens when you don't receive the care you need, especially if this has left you at risk of falls or struggling to manage
Send supporting information if you're able to - for example, from your carer, GP or consultant.
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Additional help and support can be found on the Independent Age website here or by telephoning them on 0800 319 6789.
Here's a quick overview of the benefit to help you determine if you - or a relative - should submit a claim.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance (and PADP) assists with additional costs if you have a disability, physical or mental health condition, or illness serious enough that it makes it difficult for you to care for yourself - it doesn't cover mobility requirements.
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You don't need to have someone looking after you to submit a claim.
Who can apply?
You should submit an application for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision during the day or at periods throughout the night - even if you don't currently receive that assistance.
This could include:
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Assistance with your personal care - for instance getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and using the toilet.
Support to remain safe
You should consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, such as those that take a long time, cause pain or require physical assistance. Attendance Allowance isn't solely for individuals with a physical disability or illness.
It's also worth claiming if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night due to:.
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a mental health condition.
learning difficulties.
a sensory condition - such as being deaf or visually impaired.
Main disabling conditions for attendance allowance
The main disabling conditions for Attendance Allowance are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's computer system. The DWP states that when more than one condition is present, the primary disabling condition is reported.
It's crucial to understand that this list isn't a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather it's intended to provide insight into the types of conditions being supported.
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However, if you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website.
How much could I receive on Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible for £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night, or £110.40 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you're terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, meaning you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.
The funds can be used as you see fit, potentially aiding in maintaining independence within your own home for a longer period.
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This could encompass:.
Utilising taxis
Contributing towards bills
Employing a cleaner or gardener
Is it possible to claim Attendance Allowance even with savings and other income?
Indeed. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, so your other income or the amount of savings you have doesn't matter - there's no limit.
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It is also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning no money will be deducted from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?
No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can still claim it even if you're working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?
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Your other benefits might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance, these include:.
Additional Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
Council Tax Reduction
How do I submit a claim?
A lengthy claim form must be completed when applying for Attendance Allowance. Although it may seem intimidating initially, assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.
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If you'd rather handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive details on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What occurs if I am nearing State Pension age?
If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately as it could potentially provide a higher amount.
Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?
Those residing in Scotland cannot claim Attendance Allowance; instead, they should apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment - further information can be found here.
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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 attempt to apply for Attendance Allowance while on 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 then apply for Attendance Allowance.
More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
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