Pensioners could receive £370 EVERY month towards costs with Attendance Allowance
Pensioners can receive £370 in benefits to cover costs of living with a disability
Yui Mok
Attendance Allowance which helps those of state pension age living with a health condition or disability, is set to increase by 10.1 per cent next year.
The scheme is for those who have a physical or mental condition of such severity that someone needs to look after them.
Claimants can receive a lower rate of £61.85 per week if they need regular or continuous help during the day or at night.
From next April the Attendance Allowance increases by 10.1 per cent
Jonathan Brady
Others can get a higher rate of £92.40 a week if they need assistance both during the day and the evening.
From next April, the payment boost means people on the lower rate will see their payments increase to £68.10 while the upper rate will go up to £101.73.
Anyone claiming will need to prove they have needed help for at least six months but there is also a fast track for those who have less than six months to live – they will automatically get the higher amount.
Some people claiming will need to undergo an assessment to check their eligibility and they will receive a letter detailing why and where they need to go for examination.
Anyone already claiming Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment cannot receive the benefit.
According to Age UK, pensioners are the most likely group of Brits to not claim benefits they could receive.
Pensioners can apply by filling out the Attendance Allowance claim form
Dominic Lipinski
Sufferers of long conditions may also be able to back date their claim.
To apply for the support, a person needs to fill out the Attendance Allowance claim form and post it to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
Age UK can offer support for applicants and those who claim must inform the DWP of any changes in circumstances.