DWP Issues Urgent Advice – If you’re a UK State Pensioner, you might be missing out on an extra £434 per month in financial support. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued urgent advice, urging pensioners to check if they’re eligible for Attendance Allowance — a benefit often overlooked but potentially life-changing.
This guide explains what Attendance Allowance is, how much you could receive, who qualifies, and how to apply. Whether you’re managing a long-term condition or supporting a loved one, this could be a vital financial lifeline — and we’ll show you how to claim it step-by-step.
DWP Issues Urgent Advice
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit Name | Attendance Allowance |
| Eligible Group | UK residents over State Pension age (66+) with physical or mental health needs |
| Monthly Payment | Up to £434.20/month (£108.55/week) |
| Lower Rate | £72.65/week (£290.60/month) |
| Higher Rate | £108.55/week (£434.20/month) |
| Means-tested? | No – Income and savings don’t affect eligibility |
| Taxable? | No – Completely tax-free |
| Application Methods | Online (pilot), or via paper form |
| Boosts other benefits? | Yes – Can increase Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, etc. |
| Official Site | gov.uk – Attendance Allowance |
Attendance Allowance is one of the most valuable and underused benefits for older people in the UK. With up to £434 per month on offer — tax-free and non-means-tested — it can make a real difference to your independence, comfort, and dignity.
If you’re over 66 and live with a condition that makes life harder — even just a little — you might qualify. Don’t miss out on money that’s meant to help you.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit provided by the DWP to people over State Pension age (currently 66) who need help due to a disability or long-term illness.
This help could include:
- Struggling with washing, dressing, or eating
- Needing supervision to stay safe
- Help managing mental health or cognitive issues (e.g. dementia)
You don’t need a formal carer to qualify. You just need to need help, even if you’re managing alone.
“Attendance Allowance gave me peace of mind. I didn’t realise I could apply just for struggling to get around the house,” – Jean, 78, Bristol
How Much Can You Get?
| Rate | Weekly | Monthly (approx.) | When You Qualify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower | £72.65 | £290.60 | If you need help during the day or night |
| Higher | £108.55 | £434.20 | If you need help both day and night, or are terminally ill |
Payments are made every 4 weeks and are not taxable. They also don’t affect your State Pension and could even increase your entitlement to other benefits.
Why the DWP Is Urging Pensioners to Check
According to Age UK, more than 3.4 million pensioners in the UK live with a disability, yet £3.5 billion in Attendance Allowance goes unclaimed each year.
A recent DWP pilot study found that many older people:
- Didn’t know the benefit existed
- Believed they weren’t “disabled enough”
- Thought savings or income disqualified them (they don’t!)
Who Qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
Here’s what you need to know:
Eligibility Criteria:
- Over State Pension age (currently 66)
- Physically or mentally disabled, needing help with personal care or safety
- Have had these needs for at least 6 months (not required if terminally ill)
- Reside in Great Britain (with 2 of the last 3 years spent in the UK)
- Not currently receiving PIP, DLA, or ADP
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide?
Option 1: Paper Application
- Call the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122
- Request the application form.
- Fill it in with clear, honest detail about your needs.
- Send it back using the pre-paid envelope.
Option 2: Online Application (Pilot Scheme)
The DWP is testing an online version in select areas.
Keep an eye on gov.uk to see if it’s open to you.
Your payments can be backdated to the day you request the form — not when it’s approved — so don’t delay.
Common Conditions That Qualify
You don’t need to have a specific diagnosis — what matters is how your condition affects daily life.
Examples include:
- Arthritis (struggling to dress or cook)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Sight or hearing impairments
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- COPD or heart disease
- Diabetes complications
- Mental health issues (e.g. anxiety, depression)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underselling your needs – Be honest about the bad days, not just the good.
- Skipping details – Give examples like: “I can’t bathe without support due to balance issues.”
- Not returning the form quickly – Delays can impact payment start dates.
- Thinking you’re not eligible because you’re ‘managing’ – Need, not receipt of help, is what counts.
PIP vs Attendance Allowance: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | PIP | Attendance Allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Age Group | Under State Pension age | Over State Pension age |
| Mobility Component? | Yes | No |
| Means-tested? | No | No |
| Medical Assessment? | Likely | Rare |
| Claimed By | Working-age disabled individuals | Older individuals with care needs |
Regional Variations: What if You’re in Scotland or NI?
In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP) replaces PIP but not Attendance Allowance — you still apply via the DWP.
In Northern Ireland, apply through nidirect.gov.uk or contact Disability and Carers Service.
Visit: nidirect.gov.uk
Can Attendance Allowance Increase Other Benefits?
Yes! It can act as a gateway benefit, making you eligible for:
- Pension Credit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Housing Benefit
- Carer’s Allowance (for someone looking after you)
For example, if you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you could get hundreds more each year.
Expert Tip
“Attendance Allowance is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK. If you’re over 66 and struggling, you owe it to yourself to check.”
— Sarah Johnson, Welfare Advisor at Age UK
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FAQs
Can I still get it if I live alone?
Yes. You don’t need to be receiving care — you just need to need it.
Will I have to attend a medical assessment?
In most cases, no. The form and evidence (e.g. GP letter) are usually enough.
Is there a savings limit?
No. It’s not means-tested, so your income and savings don’t affect it.
Can I help someone else apply?
Yes. You can fill in the form on behalf of a family member or friend — just make sure they sign it.
