The Department for Work and Pensions DWP offers eligible people of state pension age help with personal care or supervision if they have an illness, disability or mental health condition. Successful claimants get paid every four weeks and can get up to £369.50.
As the cost of living crisis continues, and bills increase, any extra cash could be vital for families on low incomes.
Claiming Attendance Allowance could help people stay independent in their homes for longer and won’t reduce any other income they get.
The latest figures from the DWP show that in February 2022 there were 1.5 million people across the UK claiming the benefit, an increase of 24,000 from February 2021.
Many applications are turned down because people don’t mention or aren’t clear about how their illness or disability affects their lives.
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People should not underestimate their needs when filling in the form.
Age UK provided some “top tips” to consider when filling out an application form.
On the website, it states “it’s important to think about your specific needs”.
Questions 27-43 on the form ask about one’s care needs with personal tasks.
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Britons should note down if they need help with washing, bathing and looking after their appearance, going to the toilet, organising medication, getting dressed or undressed and communicating.
Britons can contact Age UK and ask if they can help with the application.
The form is long and can take a fair bit of time to complete, so people might need to ask for an appointment if they want help.
Britons can also ask a friend, relative or carer if they would rather they help them with it.
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People should explain how many times they need or get help each day for the ‘care needs’ questions.
They should also explain how many times they have difficulties.
For example, if they need help or have difficulty getting to and from the toilet, remember to write the total amount for the day.
It is not means-tested so it doesn’t matter how much income and savings someone has either.
If their claim is successful, they may also be entitled to other benefits including Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or a Council Tax Reduction.
Britons can get a claim form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 or they can download a claim form from the Gov.UK website.
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