Older people with arthritis or back pain could be missing out on £369 a month, according to a recent report. It is among the health conditions that could give sufferers access to additional financial support through the Government's Attendance Allowance benefit.
Across the UK, there are now more than 1.5 million people over State Pension age getting either £61.85 or £92.40 each week to help them with the extra costs incurred by a severe disability. The cash boost, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is currently being claimed for a range of conditions, with 29 percent of claimants suffering from arthritis.
According to the NHS website, arthritis causes pain and inflammation in a joint. It is a health condition that can affect people of all ages. For those living with arthritis, back, joint or muscle pain, it could make you eligible for support from the DWP through Attendance Allowance.
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Details about claiming the benefit can be found on the government website - www.gov.uk or click through here, however, Nottinghamshire Live sister publication, Daily Record, has outlined an overview of the benefit to make things simple. Details of eligibility and how to start your application are detailed below.
Full details about claiming Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Understanding Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit that 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 claim.
Are you eligible to 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?
There are two rates to the benefit. You could get either £61.85 or £92.40 a week depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, which is paid every four weeks and works out at £247.40 and £369.60 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
What if I have savings and other income?
You can still claim Attendance Allowance if you have savings or another income as the benefit isn't means-tested. 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. Claiming won't affect your State Pension and you can still claim if you're working.
If you're thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (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 Disability Living Allowance (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.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
Extra Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
Council Tax Reduction
You can check your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website here.
How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
You will need to complete a long claim form, which might seem daunting, but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice centre. Alternatively, 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.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
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