State Pension claimants with health conditions could…

State Pension claimants with health conditions could get extra £369 a month

State Pension provides essential financial support every four weeks for around 12.4m people across the UK.

The official age of retirement in the UK is 66. Your State Pension age is the same as your Pension Credit age unless you are a man born before December 6, 1953. State Pension is not paid automatically, it has to be claimed by those of eligible age, because some people choose to defer making a claim in order to keep working and contribute more towards their pension pot.

However, many older people may be missing out on an additional benefit payment they could be eligible to claim which is now worth either £247.40 or £369.60 every four weeks, the Daily Record reports.

Some people of State Pension age, and older, are failing to claim Attendance Allowance, a benefit which helps individuals with daily living expenses and can help them stay independent in their own home for longer. Lots of people are entitled to Attendance Allowance but may not know enough about it to make a claim.

As the nation tries to manage household budgets in the face of soaring energy bills, rising inflation and higher living costs, now is the ideal time for older people to make sure they are claiming all the financial support they are entitled to.

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?

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

How much could I claim on Attendance Allowance?

You could receive if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £247.40 or £369.60 every pay period.

You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.

This might include: