Older Brits told which charity to use for help claiming £434 independence payment

Older Brits with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or additional care needs are being encouraged to reach out to a charity for direct assistance in claiming

Independent Age can assist people over age claim either £72.65 or £108.55 each week, which amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every four weeks as it is paid every four weeks. Lots of people who would qualify for the benefit fail to claim it, despite not being means tested.

According to the latest figures from the (), over 1.6 million older people are currently receiving additional financial support through . This tax-free benefit is not means-tested, meaning eligibility does not consider savings and income. The amount received depends on the level of support needed.

is designed to help people of age with daily living expenses, thereby helping them maintain independence in their own home for longer. Below is everything you need to know about , including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility, and how to make a claim.

For more information about , or help completing the application form, contact Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or get advice online on their website

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance

The conditions listed below are sourced from information recorded on the ’s computer system.

It’s important to note this list is not a checklist for claiming , it is intended to help people understand what type of conditions are being supported. However, if you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website .

Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain

• Arthritis
• Spondylosis
• Back Pain
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
• Trauma to Limbs
• Visual Disorders and Diseases
• Hearing Disorders
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
• Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Peripheral vascular Disease
• Epilepsy
• Neurological Diseases
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Motor Neurone Disease
• Chronic Pain Syndromes
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Metabolic Disease
• Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
• Learning Difficulties
• Psychosis
• Psychoneurosis
• Personality Disorder
• Dementia
• Behavioural Disorder
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse
• Hyperkinetic Syndrome
• Renal Disorders
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Bowel and Stomach Disease
• Blood Disorders
• Haemophilia
• Multi System Disorders
• Multiple Allergy Syndrome
• Skin Disease
• Malignant Disease
• Severely Mentally impaired
• Double Amputee
• Deaf/Blind
• Haemodialysis
• Frailty
• Total Parenteral Nutrition
• AIDS
• / -19

What is 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 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

• Help to stay safe

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. 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

• a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired

How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?

You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to 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. 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 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 , 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 . It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest , 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 . Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the .

What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you are thinking about applying for when you reach age, you might be better off claiming (PIP) straight away – you may be able to get more money.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

You won’t be able to get if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for while getting DLA, the will usually reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for instead.

Find out more about on the GOV.UK website .