Over 12 million people across the UK are currently claiming state pension. Those on the full new state pension saw their annual income jump to £9,628.50 - an extra £289.50 - in April after benefit rates rose by 3.1%.
However, experts have warned the increase will be a real-terms loss given inflation, which rose more than 6.2% in the 12 months to February 2022 according to the ONS. This includes rising supermarket prices, fuel costs, energy costs and council tax rates.
Recent research by Age UK has found that an estimated 1.25 million women who are claiming state pension - one in five - are living below the breadline, reports the Daily Record. The charity says single female pensioners are at a much higher risk of being in poverty than single men and pensioner couples.
Their study also highlighted how pensioners from Black and Asian communities, including men and women, are around twice as likely to be living in poverty as white pensioners - 33% of Asian pensioners and 30% of Black pensioners compared to 16% of white pensioners. Male and female pensioners who rent their homes are also much more likely to be in poverty than those who own their home outright (38% of private tenants and 36% of tenants in social rented housing compared with 14% of homeowners).
However, many people of state pension age could be missing out on regular payments from attendance allowance because they mistakenly believe they will not qualify for the additional benefit or are put off by the claims process. The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that nearly 1.4 million people are claiming the benefit across the UK.
Here is everything you need to know about attendance allowance, how much you get and how you qualify.
What is attendance allowance?
Attendance allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. It’s paid at two different rates and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability.
Successful claimants could receive either £61.85 or £92.40 a week, depending on the level of care needed because of their condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £247.40 and £369.60 each payment period, respectively. The benefit is not means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits.
Of the attendance allowance claimants in receipt of payments, 60% were aged 80 or over. The most common disabling condition was arthritis (30%), followed by dementia (8%). Many more people are entitled to attendance allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim - below is a quick guide with some valuable insight by Age UK. For all the latest news and tips on benefits, money-saving and finance straight to your inbox, sign up for our WalesOnline Money newsletter twice a week here.
What does this cover?
Washing, bathing and looking after your appearance:
- getting in and out of the bath or shower
- adjusting shower controls
- Shaving
- putting on skin creams
- washing or drying your hair
Going to the toilet:
- adjusting your clothes after using the toilet
- using the toilet at night
- changing clothes or bedding if you have an accident
Help with medical treatment:
- reading and understanding instructions about taking medication
- managing a condition such as diabetes
- recognising if your condition deteriorates
- adjusting your hearing aid
Supervision:
- someone to watch over you in case you have a fall or seizure or pass out
- someone to watch over you because you lack awareness of danger or could be a danger to yourself or others
- someone to watch over you in case you get confused, forgetful or disorientated
- someone to give you medication for angina or asthma attacks
- someone to help calm you down during a panic attack
Getting dressed or undressed:
- with fastenings, buttons and shoelaces
- recognising when your clothes are on inside out
Mealtimes:
- You need help eating and drinking.
Communicating:
- understanding or hearing people or being understood by them
- answering the phone
- dealing with correspondence
Getting around indoors:
- navigating stairs
- getting up from a chair
- getting in and out of bed
- moving safely from room to room
How do I know if I am eligible?
You can get attendance allowance if you’ve reached state pension age and the following apply:
- you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both
- your 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
- you have needed that help for at least six months (unless you’re terminally ill)
You must also:
- be in Great Britain when you claim - there are some exceptions, such as members and family members of the armed forces
- have been in Great Britain for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)
- be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands (read more about what this means here ).
- not be subject to immigration control unless you’re a sponsored immigrant
How do I claim?
Use the attendance allowance claim form here to apply by post. The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it in. Send the completed form to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.
You can call the attendance allowance helpline to ask for a copy of the form and alternative formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD. The helpline is 0800 731 0122 and is open from 8am to 3.30pm. Find out everything else you need to know about attendance allowance here.
