State Pensioners could be missing out on a £400 cash boost. The extra cash, for those eligible, could be particularly welcome as an additional half a million older people are expected to fall into the tax net following a freeze on the standard Personal Tax Allowance threshold (at £12,570) and the uprating of State Pensions for the new financial year starting on April 6.
According to one report, millions of older people are missing out on additional cash that they are entitled to through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) because they don't realise they are eligible. This additional benefit is Attendance Allowance.
Following the chancellor's announcement in the Autumn budget, Attendance Allowance is going up from April in line with September's inflation rate of 10.1 percent meaning state pensioners on the higher rate will get over £400 a month.
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Benefits expert Paul Brennan told the Express that: "Currently, this benefit is worth up to £92.40, paid weekly - but this is due to increase to £101.75 in April of this year, adding up to around £5,000 a year."
He explained: "Attendance Allowance is a weekly benefit that is paid to people aged over pensionable age that helps those who have difficulty with their bodily functions, and who need support or supervision to avoid danger to themselves or others.
According to the reports, some 1.8 million people are currently receiving Attendance Allowance, however an estimated 3.4 million are missing out.
David Samson, welfare benefit specialist at charity Turn2us, previously said: “Unclaimed benefits are a huge issue in the UK. Whether it is because of an overly complicated system, societal stigma or simply not knowing, there are many reasons why people miss out on their benefits.
“People over the age of 65 are especially likely to be missing out on their entitlements. We urge anyone who is unsure of what they are entitled to, to do a benefit calculation to see if there is anything they can claim.”
Attendance Allowance is a weekly benefit helping people who are over state pension age who are physically or mentally disabled. Conditions which require help or supervision with eating, getting dressed, or bathing could make someone eligible.
If eligible, the lower rate for the benefit is currently £61.85 a week while people on the higher rate get £92.40. April 2023's 10.1 percent payment uplift means people on the lower rate will see their payments increase to £68.10 while the upper rate will increase to £101.73. Pensioners will therefore get between £247.40 and £406.92 every four weeks.
Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
People aged 66 and over with a health condition or disability that affects them physically or mentally
Those who have difficulties looking after themselves
Claimants who have needed assistance or will need assistance for at least six months.
There are a range of health conditions that qualify for Attendance Allowance - the full list can be found on the Government website. For details about the benefit, who can claim and how, visit the government website. Gov.uk also recommends that those who think they may be eligible for the benefit use a benefits calculators, pointing applicants to:
An overview of Attendance Allowance may be found here, while you can download an Attendance Allowance form here. Other ways to get the form include calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317). Claimants should make sure they have their contact details, date of birth and National Insurance number before contacting the DWP.
Applicants may also need their bank or building society account number and sort code, doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number. They might also require dates and addresses for any time spent abroad or in a care home or hospital.
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