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If you or a loved one are struggling with certain medical conditions, you may qualify for Attendance Allowance payments of £441.60 per month.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides this crucial support to individuals who require assistance due to severe disabilities.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a monthly payment for individuals who are physically or mentally disabled and need help with personal care. The amount you receive depends on the level of care you require.
This payment is available to people who are of State Pension age or older, and the funds are designed to assist with everyday needs that might otherwise require support from others.
Unlike other benefits, Attendance Allowance is not affected by your income or savings. However, it does not cover mobility needs. This benefit can also increase the amount of other benefits you may be eligible for.
Payment Rates: How Much You Could Receive
Attendance Allowance is paid at two levels, depending on your care needs:
- Lower Rate: £73.90 per week – If you need frequent assistance or supervision during the day, or constant supervision at night.
- Higher Rate: £110.40 per week – For those who require help or supervision both day and night, or if a healthcare professional has indicated that your life expectancy is under 12 months.
The weekly payment rates have recently increased:
- Higher rate: £110.40 (an increase from £108.57)
- Lower rate: £73.90 (an increase from £72.66)
Eligibility Criteria: Which Health Conditions Qualify
A range of medical conditions could make you eligible for Attendance Allowance. These include:
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back pain
- Heart disease
- Visual and hearing disorders
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Diabetes mellitus
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Traumatic paraplegia/tetraplegia
- Neurological diseases
- Dementia
- Learning difficulties
- Psychosis
- Cognitive disorders
- Terminal illness
- Skin disease
- Blood disorders
- Malignant disease
- Deaf/blind conditions
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases (e.g., COVID-19, tuberculosis)
The DWP has outlined these conditions as those that could qualify you for financial assistance. The list includes both physical and mental health conditions, as well as severe long-term illnesses.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applying for Attendance Allowance is straightforward, and you can do so in several ways:
- Apply by post: Download the form online, complete it, and send it to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. No stamp or postcode is required.
- Apply online: You can fill out the application form directly on the DWP website.
- Request a form in another format: If you require a different format such as Braille, large print, or an audio CD, call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122. The helpline operates from 8am to 6pm.
Attendance Allowance is a vital benefit that provides financial assistance to individuals with severe physical or mental disabilities who need help with daily care. If you meet the eligibility criteria, it’s essential to apply to ensure you receive the support you need.
The recent increase in the payment rates makes it even more critical to explore whether you qualify and take advantage of this valuable resource.
FAQs
What health conditions qualify for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is available for a wide range of health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and many more. See the full list in the article for more details.
How much can I get from Attendance Allowance?
You can receive either the lower rate (£73.90 per week) or the higher rate (£110.40 per week), depending on the level of care you require.
How can I apply for Attendance Allowance?
You can apply by post, online, or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline to request the form in various formats.