State pensioners missing out on extra £114 weekly DWP cash boost | Personal Finance | Finance

Over one million state pensioners are believed to be missing out on a payment worth £114.60 per week. Older Brits are advised to check if they’re eligible for the extra support.

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), around 1.9 million Brits currently claim Attendance Allowance. The tax-free, non-means-tested benefit is available for people of State Pension age or older who need extra help at home due to a physical disability or mental illness. DWP pays Attendance Allowance at two weekly rates, depending on the severity of your condition. The lower rate is £76.70 per week, which equates to £306.80 monthly and £3,988.40 annually, while the higher rate is £114.60 per week, equating to £458.40 monthly and £5,959.20 annually.

Age UK said: “Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. There are 2 different weekly rates, and the amount you get depends on how much help you need.

“Any Attendance Allowance you receive doesn’t necessarily need to be spent on your care. Many people spend the money on other types of help in the home, or on equipment to help them stay independent. For example, it could help you pay bills, get meals delivered or cover the cost of taxis.”

Here is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance.

To claim Attendance Allowance, you must be over State Pension age and have needed care or support for at least six months. This could be due to a physical disability, illness, or learning difficulty.

Meanwhile, if you can claim without waiting for six months if you’re terminally ill. As it is not means-tested, your income, savings, and investments do not affect the claim.

Attendance Allowance only covers people living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, you must apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment instead.

Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates which depend on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition.

The lower rate covers people who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. It is worth £76.70 per week, which equates to £306.80 monthly and £3,988.40 annually.

Meanwhile, the higher rate is for those who require help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you are nearing the end of life. This is worth £114.60 per week, equating to £458.40 monthly and £5,959.20 annually.

Attendance Allowance can serve as a “gateway” to other benefits. These include:

• The money does not reduce your existing state benefits or your State Pension.
• You are completely exempt from the standard UK Benefit Cap.
• It can unlock or boost claims for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or a Council Tax Reduction by adding a disability premium to your calculations.
• If a friend or family member provides care for you for 35+ hours a week, your successful claim may enable them to apply for Carer’s Allowance.

You can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. To apply, you’ll need:

• your National Insurance number
• your address and contact details
• details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
• details of your GP surgery or medical centre
• details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one

You will get a text or letter detailing your eligiblity within three weeks of applying. You might be required to have an assessment to work out how much your condition is affecting your life.