There is big relief news for elderly pensioners living in Britain. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that from August, people born before 1959 can take advantage of a financial assistance scheme called Attendance Allowance. Under this scheme, eligible persons can get help of up to £5,600 annually. This benefit is specially designed for those who need personal care due to physical or mental illness. The good thing is that the application process has now been made easier than ever and an online option has also been added to it.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, which has been started for elderly people who need help for their personal care. Its biggest advantage is that this benefit does not depend on your income or savings. This means that no matter how much wealth or savings you have, if your health and care needs are eligible, you can get help under the scheme.
The scheme is designed for people who have been suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health problem. Whether you live alone or with family, the scheme can make your life a lot easier if you need help with personal care.
Who is eligible?
The DWP has explained that there are certain criteria for Attendance Allowance. If you fit these criteria, you may be entitled to this benefit.
- You must have been born before 1959.
- You have a physical or mental illness, disability or health problem.
- You need help or supervision with personal care during the day or night.
- You do not live in a council-funded care home.
These criteria will determine whether you are eligible for Attendance Allowance.
Payment rates in 2025
The amount you receive under the scheme will depend on the level of care you need during the day and night.
- Lower rate: If you need help only during the day or only at night, you can get around £260–£270 per pay period. The annual total works out to around £3,500.
- Higher rate: If you need care both during the day and night, you can get £434 per pay period. The annual total works out to around £5,600.
The higher rate is a great relief for pensioners who need constant care due to serious health problems.
Application process
The DWP has now made the application process for Attendance Allowance simple and accessible. Now people can apply in three ways according to their convenience.
1. Apply online
The newest and fastest way is to apply online. A digital form has now been made available, making the application process faster and easier than before. However, currently only a limited number of online applications are accepted each week.
2. Apply by post
If you don’t want to apply online, you can download and print the form from the official UK government website, fill it out and send it by post. You can also call the DWP and ask for a paper form.
3. Apply by phone
You can also start the application process by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline directly.
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK: 18001 0800 731 0122
British Sign Language (BSL) users can use the Video Relay service.
Documents required for application
Before you apply, you need to have some important information and documents ready to help prevent any disruptions in the process. These include:
- National Insurance number
- Your full address and contact details
- Information about your illness or disability
- Your doctor’s contact details
- Details of your stay in a hospital or care facility (if applicable)
All of this information helps the DWP understand how serious your care needs are.
When will payments start?
When your payments will start depends on how you apply.
- Apply online: Payments will be counted from the date you submit your application.
- Apply by post: Payments will start from the day the DWP receives your form.
- Apply by phone: Payments will start from the day you request the form (if you return the form within 6 weeks).
What to do if your claim is rejected?
There are times when your application may be rejected or you may receive a smaller payment than you expect. In this case, you have options:
- You can request mandatory reconsideration. This involves the DWP reviewing your case again.
- If you feel you have been treated unfairly in the process, you can lodge an official complaint.
Conclusion
Attendance Allowance is a vital support for older pensioners who are struggling to care for themselves due to illness or disability. The amount of up to £5,600 a year not only strengthens their financial situation but also makes them more independent about their own health and care.
The benefit is now more accessible than ever after the DWP simplified the application process and added an online facility. If you were born before 1959 and need help with care, this scheme could be extremely useful for you.
FAQs
Q. What is Attendance Allowance?
A. It is a non-means-tested benefit for older people who need help with personal care.
Q. Who can claim Attendance Allowance?
A. People born before 1959 with a disability, illness, or health condition needing daily care.
Q. How much can I receive?
A. Up to £5,600 a year, depending on your care needs.
Q. How do I apply?
A. You can apply online, by post, or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline.
Q. Do I need to provide documents?
A. Yes, you’ll need your National Insurance number, health details, and doctor’s contact information.