People are being warned to check if they are eligible for an £89 weekly payment if they suffer from joint pain.
Thousands are estimated to be eligible for the extra payments if they are claiming certain benefits and are of state pension age, the Daily Record reports.
Around 2.8 million people in the UK currently receive the personal independence payment (PIP), which helps cover some of the extra costs caused by long-term disability, ill-health or terminal ill-health.
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The exact amount an individual gets depends on the extent to which their condition affects everyday tasks or moving around. You can find out more about the payments here.
PIP is generally for people aged over 16 and under state pension age, but if someone is already receiving PIP when they reach state pension age, this will carry on and if someone is already getting disability living allowance (DLA), they will be invited to apply for it.
However, when someone reaches state pension age who has never claimed either benefit before, finds themselves needing additional support to remain independent for longer in their own home, they could be eligible for attendance allowance.
This would offer those claiming it £358.40 each month, or around £89 per week, at the higher amount.
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. Of these, 77,017 claimants were women and 47,175 were men.
Of the attendance allowance claimants in receipt of payments, 60 per cent were aged 80 or over.
The most common disabling condition - an umbrella term used by the DWP to cover a multitude of health conditions - was arthritis (30 per cent), followed by dementia (8 per cent).
However, 54,428 people are receiving regular financial support for muscle, joint or back pain across the UK.
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:
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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
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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:
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a mental health condition
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learning difficulties
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a sensory condition - if you are deaf or blind
How much could I get on attendance allowance?
You could get either £60 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:
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paying for taxis
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helping towards bills
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paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim even if I have savings and other income?
Yes.
Attendance allowance isn't 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’s tax-free and you'll be exempt from the benefit cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will attendance allowance affect my state pension?
No, it won't affect your state pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.
How does attendance allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get attendance allowance. These include:
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Extra pension credit
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Housing benefit reduction
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Council tax reduction
You can check your state pension age on the GOV.UK website here.
How do I make a claim?
You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for attendance allowance.
It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citzens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying.
If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here.
Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What happens if I am about to reach state pension age?
If you're thinking about applying for attendance allowance when you reach state pension age, you might be better off claiming PIP straight away.
If you claim PIP and get it, the amount you get will depend on your circumstances and how your disability or illness affects you.
Find out more about claiming PIP on the GOV.UK website here.
Who cannot claim attendance allowance?
You won't be able to get attendance allowance if you already get PIP or DLA to pay for your care.
If you apply for attendance allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for attendance allowance instead.
Find out more about attendance allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
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