If you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for you to look after yourself, you may be eligible for financial help.
If you are of State Pension age and have never claimed Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) you can claim Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
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You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim but it's worth noting it does not cover mobility needs.
According to the Daily Record, the latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in February 2021, there were 1,392,093 people across the UK claiming the benefit, worth up to £358.40 each month.
This includes 54,428 people receiving regular financial support for muscle, joint or back pain across the UK.
Back pain is very common and usually improves within a few weeks or months, but sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back. Pain in the lower back (lumbago) is particularly common, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the hips.
If you are living with back, joint or muscle pain, you could be eligible for support from the DWP through Attendance Allowance.
Many more people may be entitled to Attendance Allowance but simply do not know enough about it to make a claim. Below is an overview of what you should know the benefit, including how to make a claim.
Who can make a claim?
You should consider applying 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 do not 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 consider applying 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 is not just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also consider claiming 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 blind
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could get 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 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
Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
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