Latest news with #IndependentAge
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Older people with long-term health issues urged to contact charity directly for help claiming income top-ups
Independent Age can help older people with health issues claim Attendance Allowance. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? Independent Age is urging older people with long-term health conditions to contact them directly for help claiming benefits, Council Tax discounts and getting assistance for their daily care needs. The charity has launched a 'living well with long-term health conditions' campaign to encourage more people to make sure they are receiving all the support they are entitled to. Independent Age said: 'Whether you've just been diagnosed or have been managing your condition for some time, life can have its challenges when you have a long-term health condition. But with a few simple steps and the right support, you can take control, manage your condition and live well.' People can view or download the full guide online here, or order a free copy from the charity. It's worthwhile noting that you can also listen to the online version. Care needs assessment Independent Age explained that if you're finding it harder to manage day-to-day tasks, a care needs assessment could help you identify the care and support you need - and the best ways to access it. Help like meals on wheels or a care worker to assist with tasks like washing, dressing or taking medication. A care needs assessment from your local council could help you get the support that truly makes a difference. To find out about getting a care needs assessment, the charity advises people to contact their local council's adult social care department to find out what help is available and how to access it. Full details about care needs assessment can be found on the Independent Age website here. Reduce your Council Tax Older people on a low income in Scotland may be able to get a Council Tax Reduction, a unique discount only available north of the border. In England and Wales, older people may be eligible for a Council Tax discount. The names may be different, but the premise is the same and all accessed through your local council. Most councils have a dedicated Council Tax section on their local authority website, which lists different ways to qualify for a bill discount/reduction. Independent Age has a video to help people take the first step in reducing your Council Tax, which you can view here. There is also a detailed guide with all the information you need which you can download here. Check for extra financial help Independent Age said: 'So many people are not claiming the benefits that they are entitled to and as a result, missing out on extra money each week. Even if you think you're getting everything you're entitled to, it's worth checking.' You can use the free, confidential online benefits calculator to work out exactly what you can claim and get a personalised report. Full details here. Many of the 13 million pensioners across the UK may not be aware they could be eligible for two separate benefits, worth a combined total of up to £10,040 over the 2025/26 financial year. One of the benefits is not means-tested and aims to help older people with long-term health conditions while the other can provide extra financial support to those on a low income. Pension Credit helps those over State Pension age on a low income by boosting annual income by an average of £4,300, while Attendance Allowance can provide additional financial support of up to £441.60 each month - some £5,740.80 each year. Both these payments are paid separately from the State Pension, which is now worth up to £230.25 each week, or £921 every four-week payment period. The full, New State Pension will be worth £11,973 this year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) estimates 760,000 are eligible for Pension Credit and not claiming the income-related benefit. Similarly, over one million pensioners are believed to be eligible for Attendance Allowance, which is not affected by income or savings, is tax-free and is not counted as income when it comes to claiming Pension Credit. Pensioners in Scotland can now claim Pension Age Disability Payment - the benefit replacing Attendance Allowance north of the border. Full details can be found on here. Pension Credit in a nutshell Pension Credit currently supports 1.4 million people, including 125,000 living in Scotland. It tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £227.10 a week for single pensioners or £346.60 for couples. It is worth on average £4,300 this year. If you are a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £227.10, or part of a couple with a combined weekly income of less than £346.60, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock access to other financial support, including the 2025/26 Winter Fuel Payment, or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland. Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payment or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Attendance Allowance in a nutshell The information below is also relevant to Pension Age Disability Payment, the only difference is how to claim. All devolved benefits and payments are administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland - full details here. Attendance Allowance currently helps nearly 1.7 million older people across Great Britain including 150,000 living in Scotland with the extra daily living costs of having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim. People over State Pension age claiming Attendance Allowance receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. As the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £295.60 or £441.60 every payment period - some £5,740.80 over the 2025/26 financial year. Who can claim? You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don't currently get that help. This might include: Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet Help to stay safe You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits you're already claiming. You can also claim it if you're still working and earning money. How to make a claim Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the website here.
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Older people urged to claim £4,300 income top-up before reaching State Pension age
DWP received 8,500 'advanced' Pension Credit claims in the last week of 2024. Independent Age has warned that "lots of older people are missing out" on benefits and extra financial support they are entitled to which could help off-set the persistent rise in the cost of living. In an online video released by the charity, it shines a light on claiming an income top-up worth £4,300 each year - four months before they reach State Pension age. These are referred to by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as 'advanced' Pension Credit claims, where the application can be submitted before turning 66. The DWP confirmed earlier this year that at the end of week commencing December 30 2024, some 8,500 'advanced' Pension Credit claims. In the Independent Age video, Fran McSweeney, Head of National Services at the charity, shares essential tips on applying for Pension Credit. She explains that the benefit tops-up income from State Pension to a minimum level that the UK Government says older people need to live on. Ms McSweeney added: 'Once you receive Pension Credit you're also entitled to extra help with things like the cost of dental treatment on the NHS, the cost of glasses, help with your Council Tax and other housing costs.' She also said that if you have a disability, or are a carer, you might also qualify for a higher amount of Pension Credit, so it's important to mention that when making a claim. You could get an extra £82.90 a week if you get any of the following: Attendance Allowance the middle or highest rate from the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Armed Forces Independence Payment the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate If you care for another adult You could get an extra £46.40 a week if: you get Carer's Allowance you get Carer Support Payment you've claimed Carer's Allowance but are not being paid because you already get another benefit paying a higher amount If you and your partner have both claimed or are getting Carer's Allowance, you can both get this extra amount. Independent Age shares top five Pension Credit tips Check your eligibility Check if you are eligible for the benefit either using the online Pension Credit calculator on here, calling the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 (lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday), or reading the guide on the Independent Age website here. Even if you have savings or own your own home, you may still be eligible - the first £10,000 of savings are not counted. An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock additional support. Apply early You can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before reaching State Pension age (66) - full details on how to claim can be found on here. Backdate your claim Claims for Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months as long as you were State Pension age or above during that time. Gather information needed before making a claim Have all the details you will need to hand before applying, this includes information about your income, savings or benefits you are claiming. Call the Independent Age helpline If you have any questions, or need any support completing the application, contact the charity on 0800 319 6789. You can also email them on helpline@ Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payment or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim Article continues below To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
How death of a loved one could leave you in crippling debt – and how to avoid it
DEALING with the loss of a loved one could hit your finances. A third of people saw their financial situation worsen, according to data from charity Sue Ryder. 1 As the Financial Conduct Authority renews calls for banks and other companies to do more to support vulnerable bereaved customers, here is the help available for those dealing with grief. When Yvonne Bailey's husband John passed away unexpectedly from cancer, just ten weeks after her son Peter had died in a road accident, her world was shattered. Her grief was overwhelming, but she also had to deal with money worries on top. Without John's salary as a delivery driver, Yvonne had no money coming in and her own grief made it impossible to work. "John and I had always made just enough money to get by. We paid our bills on time but had no savings and no life insurance. "When he died, his income disappeared overnight." The benefits Yvonne, from Witney, Oxfordshire, received as a widow were not enough to live on and she began to miss rent payments and other bills. After a year, still grieving, she was forced to go back to work. Now 79, Yvonne still feels the financial impact of John's death. Though she receives his state pension as well as Pension Credit, she still has to budget very carefully. Yvonne is not alone. Joanna Elson, boss of the charity Independent Age, says: 'The death of a partner can be an extremely traumatic event, not just emotionally, but there can also be devastating financial implications - this is especially true when it is sudden or unexpected.' The charity has supported people who were unable to pay their mortgage or turn on the heating because their income fell so drastically. Joanna says: 'Bereavement can be a trigger for poverty in later life, and this shouldn't be the case.' No matter what age you are, losing someone close to you can put you at risk of money problems. While some people will be able to fall back on life insurance or death in service cover from work, others will have no safety net. Research by Sunlife found that a quarter of adults say they aren't sure they could cope financially if someone close to them died and two in five in a relationship reckon they wouldn't have enough money to support themselves if their other half died unexpectedly. Lilly Aaron, from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), says: 'A bereavement may lead to a loss of income to your household, as well as a shift in financial responsibilities. 'You have to keep up with essential bills, which is hard in the midst of grief, and you may also be more susceptible to things like scams.' Sadly, fraudsters are known to use a death as an opportunity to pounce, knowing families will be vulnerable and may not think things through as carefully as they would in normal times. They may even claim they are owed money by the person who died, or say you're entitled to a large sum of money but that you need to pay to access the cash. STOP DEATH TURNING INTO DEBT Money may not be the first thing on your mind if you've lost someone close to you, but when you are ready, there is a lot to sort out. You need to inform people that someone has died and make sure you don't carry on paying for things like their subscriptions that you no longer need. The Government's "Tell Us Once" service allows you to report a death to most Government organisations all in one go (Bereavement Service in Northern Ireland). You can use the websites Settld or LifeLedger to contact utility companies, banks, pension providers, insurance firms, and TV and broadband providers. Lilly says: 'If you're at risk of missing a payment or in financial difficulty, head to the advice locator at to find free debt advisors local to you.' Take steps now The thing that can make the biggest difference is being prepared. One in ten adults in a relationship admit to not having put anything in place to ease the financial strain on their partner in the case of their death. Just talking about what would happen if one of you died is a good start. Making a will ensures your wishes are recorded. Research DIY will kits to save on legal fees. Fewer than one in four save enough to cover the full expense of a funeral, which can forced loved ones to take out expensive credit. Only 29% have some kind of life insurance cover, found SunLife. The kind of policy you need will depend on things like your age, employment and whether you have a mortgage. The Money Helper website can also help you check how to transfer bills to your name and what benefits could get. Lilly says: 'You may be entitled to a higher level or you may qualify for the first time now that your partner's income isn't being taken into account.' There are specific payments that can help, like Bereavement Support pPayments, Funeral Expenses Payment (Funeral Support Payment in Scotland) and, following the death of a child or stillborn baby, the Children's Funeral Fund. Those who are struggling financially may also be eligible for hardship funds from their local council and, if you are now living alone, you can get a 25% reduction on council tax. Find out if you might qualify for a one-off grant at Lilly says: 'It is a really difficult time following someone's death and dealing with the admin and finance while grieving can just feel really overwhelming. 'I really encourage people to visit to help people stay on top of things a such a difficult and confusing time.' The charity Cruse Bereavement Care ( gives emotional and practical support. 'I wish we'd had life insurance' After her husband died, Cherieda Maw was left with around £10,000 credit card bills and loans to pay – but no money to pay them. When husband Malvin was alive, they didn't miss a repayment, but after he died in February 2014, the bills in Cherieda's name fell solely to her. Living on income support, she couldn't make ends meet. 'Every day I'd get letters and phone calls, but I'd tell them I had no money. 'They chased me for years, but I didn't know what to do about it. 'How could I grieve, when I had so much to sort out?' While mourning Alvin, she also felt some anger. 'He didn't believe in life insurance, but it would have helped me a lot – I could have paid everything off.' Eventually, with her debts now over £30,000, she desperately searched for help online, and found the free debt help organisation Its advisors helped her get a Debt Relief Order, writing off her debts a year later. 'It was a huge weight off my shoulders when the letters and calls finally stopped.'
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Martin Lewis issues new State Pension age change compensation warning to all WASPI women
Martin Lewis and the charity Independent Age have joined forces with Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaigners to warn millions of 1950s-born women not to fall for fake websites urging them to claim compensation. The financial guru warned scammers advertising 'compensation over the change in State Pension age seems to be a new trend'. WASPI said that 3.6 million women have been affected by changes to their State Pension age and is urging them to stay alert following a sharp rise in fraudulent websites claiming that compensation is available. Only the UK Government has the power and means to issue any compensation. However, some of the fake websites falsely claim that ' DWP announces £3,000 compensation for 3.8 million WASPI women' while another labels itself as a 'Martin Lewis WASPI Calculator'. After a long-running battle for justice, the UK Government apologised for the mistakes it made in December 2024, but stopped short of setting out a compensation scheme for those impacted. In March 2024, the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO) recommended compensation at level four of its banding scale - between £1,000 to £2,950 per person - however, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall said this would cost between £3.5 billion and £10.5 billion. As a result, WASPI campaigners launched a High Court challenge, which is currently in progress, and opportunist scammers now seem to be using the legal battle to target unsuspecting women affected by changes to their retirement age. WASPI Chair Angela Madden said recent days had seen an 'alarming spike' in the number of scams, saying the behaviour of those preying on vulnerable women is 'nothing short of disgraceful'. She said any announcement on compensation for WASPI women would only ever come from the UK Government. However, no such scheme currently exists. Affected women have received emails from bogus groups asking for sensitive information. At least one WASPI woman in Derbyshire reported that she had been asked to provide copies of her birth certificate and bank details through an online form, before realising it was a scam. Ms Madden said: 'WASPI has fielded dozens of queries from women following an alarming spike in fraudulent websites appearing in recent days. The need for compensation is so urgent that it is the most vulnerable women who are at risk from scammers. The behaviour of opportunists who seek to exploit them is nothing short of disgraceful. 'Any announcement on compensation will only ever come from the Government. Anybody who has shared sensitive information or feels they are at risk should contact Action Fraud.' Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said: 'The word scammers underplays the danger of what are often organised criminal gangs using psychologically adept tactics to steal from people. They leach on to anything they can find, and compensation over the change in State Pension age seems to be a new trend. 'Even if they're not asking for money, they could be trying to take your information as part of a wider fraud. Be incredibly careful, don't click advertising or other links on social media, unless it is from a validated trusted source.' He added: 'And to be very plain, I don't do adverts nor allow anyone to use my name for endorsements. All my information will always be on my site so if you can't find it there, and see it elsewhere, it's very likely a scam.' Fran McSweeney, Head of Services at Independent Age said: 'It's concerning to hear that older women are being asked for their bank details and copies of their birth certificates by potential scammers. Anyone can be a target in this way, and a scam will often take advantage of events in the news, such as a WASPI compensation scheme. 'While scams can be very sophisticated, there are things people can do to protect themselves.' She continued: 'Never be rushed into sharing personal details out of the blue and contact your bank if you think you've been tricked into revealing any of your banking details. If what you're told sounds unlikely or too good to be true, it probably is. 'Look out for unprofessional communication, such as bad spelling or grammar.' For more information on spotting scams, the Independent Age Scamwise guide can be found here or by calling the charity on 0800 319 6789 to request a copy. Ms McSweeney added: 'The important thing to know is that support is available.'
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Attendance Allowance simplified to help older people make a new claim for up to £441 each month
Nearly 1.7 million people over State Pension age are receiving either £73.90 or £110.40 each week in Attendance Allowance. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? New figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now nearly 1.7 million older people receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance, including 150,000 living in Scotland. The payment is now worth either £73.90 or £110.40 each week and is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses - it does not cover mobility needs. The benefit supports people with a disability, long-term illness and mental or physical health issues. The list of conditions supported through Attendance Allowance is long, more than 50, but the most common disabling condition - an umbrella term used by the DWP - is arthritis, which provides support for 469,902 people across Great Britain, including 43,128 in Scotland. To make it easier for people over State Pension age, or their family members or friends, to decide whether to make a claim for the benefit, we have compiled a list of 22 key facts that sum up Attendance Allowance. Full details about Attendance Allowance can be found on here. Charities including Independent Age and Age UK can also help with claims and answer any questions over the phone or online via email or webchat. Attendance Allowance in Scotland It's important for people over 66 in Scotland to be aware that they can no longer make a new claim for Attendance Allowance and must claim a new devolved payment instead. Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) provides the same financial support as Attendance Allowance, but is administered and delivered by Social Security Scotland - full details here. 22 key facts about Attendance Allowance The benefit is administered by the UK Government and delivered by the DWP. There are 1,672,590 people over State Pension age claiming Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. The benefit could help older people stay independent in their own home longer. It's paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability. You could get £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) a week to help with personal support. The lower rate of £73.90 is awarded if you need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. The higher rate of £110.40 is awarded if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live. Payments are made every four weeks, which means there are 13 payments over the course of a year. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit. Savings and income do not affect a claim as the benefit is not means-tested. Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment are qualifying benefits for the DWP annual £10 Christmas Bonus. There is no mobility element attached to Attendance Allowance. If you are approaching State Pension age, apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) and you should get a 10-year award, up to £749.80 each month and may be eligible for the mobility component You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already get Disability Living Allowance (DLA), PIP or ADP. You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance. You cannot usually get Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority. However, you can still claim Attendance Allowance if you pay for all your care home costs yourself. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim. You will only need to attend an assessment to check your eligibility if it's unclear how your illness or disability affects you. If you do need an assessment you will get a letter saying why and where you must go. During the assessment, a medical professional will need to examine you. You might still be able to get Attendance Allowance if you're a UK national and you live in or move to the EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. All existing claims for Attendance Allowance will be replaced in Scotland by Pension Age Disability Payment by the end of 2025. Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the 10 most-claimed for conditions, eligibility and how to make a claim. 10 most-claimed conditions supported by Attendance Allowance The 10 conditions listed below are supporting 1,252,041 (75%) of the 1.7m total number of people receiving Attendance Allowance payments. Medical conditions are sourced from information recorded on the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. It's important to note that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the website here. Main health condition and number of claimants across Great Britain Arthritis 483,376 Dementia 173,170 Heart Disease 124,528 Respiratory Conditions 104,098 Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints 86,319 Cerebrovascular Disease 74,716 Back Pain 74,804 Visual Disorders and Diseases 50,993 Parkinson's 44,440 Neurological Conditions 35,597 Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim. What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim. Who can claim? You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don't currently get that help. This might include: Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet Help to stay safe You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn't just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have: a mental health condition learning difficulties a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired How much could I get on Attendance Allowance? You could receive either £73.90 (lower rate) or £110.40 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £296.60 or £441.60 every pay period. You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This might include: paying for taxis helping towards bills paying for a cleaner or gardener Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income? Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits. Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension? No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're 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? You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying. If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the website here. What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age? If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money. Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance? You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you have a Scottish postcode, you need to claim PADP from Social Security Scotland - full details here. You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead. You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead. here.
