The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new online method for pensioners to apply for financial support if they receive the state pension and have a disability. The support in question is Attendance Allowance, and it can now be claimed online, boosting accessibility for more people in need.
This allowance offers up to £108 weekly for the most severely affected, with around 1.6 million Britons currently benefiting from this payment.
However, the DWP’s GOV.UK page confirms that the online service will only accept a “limited number” of applications each week. Applicants must use a desktop or laptop, as mobile phones and tablets are not supported, and applications are only available on Mondays.
According to the DWP, the online service has restrictions due to its development stage. Individuals managing someone else’s affairs through appointees or power of attorney also cannot apply online.
Additionally, the form cannot be saved, so applicants must complete it in one sitting, making it vital that people prepare themselves with all the necessary details before attempting to log in.
These include their:
- National Insurance number
- Address and contact details
- Details of the health condition or disability that they need extra help for
- Details of their GP surgery or medical centre.
For those unable to access the online option, postal applications are still available and remain the primary route to claiming the benefit.
A wide range of health conditions could qualify a person for the benefit, but here are the main conditions claimed for:
- Arthritis
- Dementia
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Conditions
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Back Pain
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
- Parkinson’s
- Neurological Conditions.
People must have needed for the past six months unless they have less than 12 months to live.
However, it should be noted that people won’t be able to claim Attendance Allowance if they already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: The lower rate and the higher rate. The amount eligible claimants receive is calculated based on how much help is needed, not any current help the person does or doesn’t get.
The new lower and higher payment rates this year are:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week.
This means the highest payment is worth around £470 a month and a much more significant £5,644 a year.
Those requiring assistance during the day or night may qualify for the lower rate, while those needing help both day and night or facing a terminal illness may be eligible for the higher rate.
Claimants can apply online here or by post by contacting the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.
