Pensioners with a heart condition could be able to claim Attendance Allowance benefits worth £434 a month.
The latest figures published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show there are now more than 1.5 million people over State Pension age receiving regular financial support for a health condition through Attendance Allowance.
The benefit is worth either £72.65 or £108.55 each week – £290.60 or £434.20 every four-week pay period – and is designed to help older people with additional daily living expenses stay in their own home for longer.
The DWP provides support for dozens of health conditions through Attendance Allowance.
More than 110,600 people receiving payments to help with heart-related issues, including angina, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia and high blood pressure.
The number of people currently receiving the Attendance Allowance benefit for a heart condition across Great Britain:
Scotland – 9,902
England – 92,993
Wales – 7,431
Living abroad – 337
Total – 110,666
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
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
* sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive £72.65 if you need help during the day or at night or £108.55 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 £290.60 or £434.20 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:
* paying for taxis
* helping towards bills
* paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance 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 is also tax-free and you will 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:
* Extra Pension Credit
* Housing Benefit Reduction
* Council Tax Reduction
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 Citizens 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.
