As living costs continue to rise, Britons are being urged to make sure they’re claiming all of the additional financial support they’re entitled to. From April 2023, Attendance Allowance is going up in line with September’s inflation rate of 10.1 percent meaning state pensions on the higher rate will get over £400 a month.
A benefits expert is urging people to check their bank accounts as they could be eligible for “the most underclaimed benefit in the UK”.
Attendance Allowance is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
It is a weekly benefit helping people who are over state pension age who are physically or mentally disabled.
Conditions which require help or supervision with eating, getting dressed, or bathing could make someone eligible.
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Benefits expert Paul Brennan said: “Attendance Allowance is a weekly benefit that is paid to people aged over pensionable age that helps those who have difficulty with their bodily functions, and who need support or supervision to avoid danger to themselves or others.
“Currently, this benefit is worth up to £92.40, paid weekly – but this is due to increase to £101.75 in April of this year, adding up to around £5,000 a year.”
Some 1.8 million people are currently receiving Attendance Allowance, however an estimated 3.4 million are missing out.
The lower rate for the benefit is currently £61.85 a week while people on the higher rate get £92.40.
DON’T MISS
There are a couple of ways to get the form. People can call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317) or download a claim form from the GOV UK website.
Claimants should make sure they have their contact details, date of birth and National Insurance number before contacting the DWP.
Applicants may also need their bank or building society account number and sort code, doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number.
They might also require dates and addresses for any time spent abroad or in a care home or hospital.
There are a number of health conditions and different eligibility criteria for qualifying for Attendance Allowance. The full list can be found on the Government website
In the UK, an estimated £15billion is lost in unclaimed benefits every year.
David Samson, welfare benefit specialist at charity Turn2us, previously said: “Unclaimed benefits are a huge issue in the UK.
“Whether it is because of an overly complicated system, societal stigma or simply not knowing, there are many reasons why people miss out on their benefits.
“People over the age of 65 are especially likely to be missing out on their entitlements. We urge anyone who is unsure of what they are entitled to, to do a benefit calculation to see if there is anything they can claim.”
