State pensioners could claim an extra £410 a month from the DWP

State pensioners with long-term health conditions could be eligible for Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is a benefit administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Around 3.4 million pensioners are thought to be missing out on the extra support from the DWP.

As the cost of living crisis continues, pensioners are urged to take advantage of this vital benefit that is worth £101 each week.

Claimants can get Attendance Allowance if they’ve reached state pension age, which is currently 66 in the UK, and they:

• have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example, blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both
• have a disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
• have needed that help for at least six months.

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Claimants must also habitually reside in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.

Attendance Allowance is paid weekly at two different rates. What someone can get depends on the level of help they need.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. Whatever someone earns or how much they have in savings will not affect what they get.

The lower rate gives people £68.10. Britons will qualify if they need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.

The higher rate is worth £101.75. People will qualify if they need help or supervision throughout both day and night or if a medical professional has said they might have 12 months or less to live.

At its highest rate, Attendance Allowance can provide eligible state pensioners with up to £407 a month, which equates to £4,884 per year.

If someone’s circumstances change, they could get a different rate of benefit. They must report a change of circumstances to the DWP to avoid penalties.

People could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if they get Attendance Allowance.

Britons can check with the helpline or office dealing with their benefit.

Claiming Attendance Allowance can also deem a person eligible to receive the £150 pensioner cost of living payment, which is expected to be distributed during the summer, so it could pay for people to check if they’re eligible.

Britons can claim Attendance Allowance by either:

• printing and submitting the Attendance Allowance claim form
• contacting the helpline to request a claim form on 0800 731 0122.

If someone is awarded Attendance Allowance, it can be paid from the start of the claim, but it cannot be backdated.