Around 1.9 million people in Britain are claiming attendance allowance, according to the latest figures from the Department of Work and Pensions.
But as many as 1.1 million are thought to be missing out on the helpful benefit that can give you up to £110.40 a week.
Here we explain what attendance allowance is, who can claim it and how to apply for it…
What is it?
Attendance allowance is a non-means tested benefit available to pensioners with a disability or health condition that is so severe that they require someone to help them complete daily tasks.
In Scotland, the benefit is called the pension age disability payment.
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Who can claim it?
To claim, you must be state pension age and have needed care or support for at least six months.
This could be due to an illness, physical or mental disability or a learning difficulty.
If you are terminally ill, you can claim without waiting for six months.
According to the latest data, the majority of claimants in February had arthritis, followed by dementia and heart disease.
You must be in Great Britain when you claim and have been in the country for at least two of the past three years.
If you claim disability living allowance, personal independence payment, adult disability payment or Scottish adult disability living allowance, you will not be eligible.
You can’t usually get attendance allowance if you live in a care home and the council is paying for your care.
If you are paying for your place in a care home, you can still claim.
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How much can you get?
It is paid at two different rates, and how much you are entitled to depends on the level of care you need.
This means that even if you’re not currently getting support from a carer, as long as you can show you need it, you could be eligible for the benefit.
It is tax-free and not means-tested, so how much you earn or the amount you have in savings will not affect your payments.
Here’s a look at the rates and how they are determined…
How to claim
If you think you might be eligible for attendance allowance, you can apply online here or by post.
To apply, you’ll need:
Within three weeks of applying, you will get a text or letter detailing when you will find out if you can claim the payments.
You might be required to have an assessment to work out how much your condition is affecting your life.
You will get a letter when a decision has been made that explains the outcome.
In this letter, you will find out when you’ll get your first payment.
The amount will be paid straight into your bank account, and you will typically receive it every four weeks.
If you’re terminally ill
If you are of state pension age and a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live, you will get the higher rate of £110.40 a week, and you will not need to wait six months to apply.
You can claim for yourself, or someone can make the claim on your behalf, as long as they have your permission.
You will need to ask a medical professional to fill in an SR1 form.
They will either give it to you or send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions.
You will then apply in the way detailed above.
