The UK’s Department for Work and Pensions has rolled out a significant £5,600 per year financial boost to eligible pensioners, specifically targeting those born before 1959. This announcement has sparked optimism among older individuals facing health challenges or mobility issues. Delivered through the Attendance Allowance, this non-means-tested benefit aims to ease the burden of personal care. With the launch of a simplified application process—including a new online submission option—claiming this support has never been more accessible.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit designed for pensioners needing assistance with personal care due to physical or mental health conditions. It supports individuals who:
- Are born before 1959
- Require help or supervision during the day, night, or both
- Live independently at home—not in a council-funded residential care facility
Unlike many other benefits, your income and savings do not affect eligibility, making it a vital resource for many older adults.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility hinges on a few key criteria:
- Born before 1959, placing applicants above State Pension age.
- Having a disability or health condition that affects daily living.
- Needing personal care support during the day, night, or both.
- Not residing in a council-funded care home.
- Not currently receiving overlapping benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Payment Rates
Attendance Allowance has two main support tiers:
- Lower Rate: For those needing help either during the day or night—approximately £72–£74 per week, equating to around £3,840 annually.
- Higher Rate: For assistance needed both day and night—roughly £108–£110 per week, totaling approximately £5,600–£5,645 per year.
The higher rate provides a substantial uplift in financial support, effectively offering £434 every 4 weeks, aligning with the annual £5,600 figure highlighted in the announcement.
How to Apply
DWP now offers three convenient application routes:
- Online Application
- A new, streamlined method.
- Limited slots are available weekly, so early application is advised.
- A new, streamlined method.
- By Post
- Download or phone to request a paper form.
- Complete and send it via Freepost (no postcode or stamp needed) to the Attendance Allowance address.
- Download or phone to request a paper form.
- By Phone
- Call the Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122
- Additional accessibility lines include Textphone (0800 731 0317), Relay UK (18001 0800 731 0122), and video relay for BSL users.
- Call the Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122
Important Details
Preparing the right information can speed up processing:
- National Insurance number
- Full contact details (address, phone)
- Detailed account of disability/health condition and how it affects daily life
- GP or doctor’s contact details
- Information on hospital or care home stays, if applicable
Application Process
- Online submissions: payments start from the date of submission.
- Postal applications: from the date the DWP receives the form.
You’ll typically receive an update—by mail or text—within three weeks, detailing the status of your claim and expected start date.
If Your Claim is Rejected
No need to worry—options exist:
- Mandatory Reconsideration: Request a formal review of the decision.
- Complaint: If you believe the service was inadequate or unfair, file a complaint with the DWP.
Conclusion
The DWP’s announcement—highlighting up to £5,600 a year in tax-free, means-irrelevant support via Attendance Allowance—marks a meaningful opportunity for UK pensioners born before 1959. Whether you need care during the day, night, or both, this benefit is tailored to ease the burden of personal care needs. With streamlined application options and clear guidelines, now is the moment to act. Check eligibility, gather the necessary information, and submit your application promptly. This could be the support that truly makes a difference in daily living.
FAQs
Q1: Is the £5,600 payment an increase to the State Pension?
No. The £5,600 figure refers to the Attendance Allowance, a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. It is not an automatic boost to the State Pension.
Q2: Who can apply for Attendance Allowance?
You can apply if you were born before 1959, are over State Pension age, and need help or supervision with personal care (such as washing, dressing, or staying safe) because of a health condition or disability. Income and savings do not affect eligibility.
Q3: Will Attendance Allowance affect my other benefits?
No. Attendance Allowance does not reduce your State Pension or other benefits. In fact, it can sometimes increase entitlement to other support, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.