Thousands of pensioners could be entitled to an extra £358 a month in support from the DWP.
There are 12.4 million people in receipt of a state pension across the UK, with the eligible retirement age currently 66 for both men and women.
Many are entitled to an additional payment through the Attendance Allowance, which provides support to help pensioners remain independent and stay in their own home for longer.
READ MORE: PIP could be scrapped with people given up to £231 a week instead
Attendance Allowance provides financial support for individuals through extra daily living expenses and can help them stay independent in their own home for longer, the Daily Record reports.
Thousands of older people could be entitled to the benefit, but may not know enough about it to make a claim.
To help more people understand the eligibility and claims process, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has created a new online guidance, divided into easy-to-read sections to accompany a download application form.
The claim form can be downloaded, filled in on screen, saved as you go and then printed before sending by freepost to the DWP.
It’s important to realise from the outset this application is going to take a bit of time to complete as it’s 29 pages long.
However, as you complete the form, you will be guided through the questions based on the responses you provide, so you may not need to answer all of them.
DWP guidance states that you need to use a PDF reader to open and fill in this form - you can download a free PDF reader from your app store or from the internet.
You can save data typed into the form if you use a PDF reader which means that you do not have to fill in the form in one session, just save and go back to it at anytime.
DWP also advises not to use your device’s browser or, if you are an Apple Mac user, the Preview application.
The completed form can then be sent to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance - you do not need a postcode or a stamp.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself - it does not cover mobility needs.
You do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Who can claim Attendance Allowance?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don’t currently get that help.
This might include:
- Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- Help to stay safe
You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on.
Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
- a mental health condition
- learning difficulties
- a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired
You could receive either £60.00 or £89.60 a week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £240 and £358.40 a month respectively.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
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 either - there's no limit.
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.
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