DWP £434.20 Monthly Benefits: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has reported that nearly 1.7 million elderly individuals in the UK now receive Attendance Allowance—a vital non-means-tested benefit designed to support pensioners with health conditions or disabilities that make daily activities difficult.
With weekly payments of £72.65 or £108.55, this financial aid helps cover the extra costs of personal care and supervision. However, many eligible individuals remain unaware of their entitlement. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can receive, and how to apply.
Table of Contents
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is available to those who:
- Are State Pension age (currently 66 or older).
- Have a physical or mental health condition that affects their ability to manage daily life.
- Require help or supervision with personal tasks, even if they don’t currently receive assistance.
- Do not need mobility support (Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs).
You do not need to have a carer to qualify, and your income and savings do not affect eligibility since this benefit is not means-tested.
Common Health Conditions That Qualify
Many conditions may make you eligible, including:
- Arthritis (claimed by 484,000 pensioners)
- Back pain (claimed by 74,804 pensioners)
- Sensory impairments (vision loss, hearing difficulties)
- Mental health conditions (such as dementia, depression, anxiety)
- Neurological disorders (such as Parkinson’s disease, MS)
- Chronic illnesses (such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes)
If your condition makes dressing, bathing, eating, moving around, or staying safe difficult, you may qualify for Attendance Allowance.
How Much Can You Receive?
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates:
| Rate | Weekly Payment | Who Qualifies? |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Rate | £72.65 | If you need help during the day OR night |
| Higher Rate | £108.55 | If you need help during the day AND night, or have a terminal illness |
Since payments are made every four weeks, recipients receive:
- £290.60 per month (lower rate)
- £434.20 per month (higher rate)
This money can help cover essential expenses like transport, household bills, and home assistance.
How Attendance Allowance Affects Other Benefits
Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase the amount you receive from other benefits, such as:
- Pension Credit (provides additional financial support)
- Housing Benefit Reduction (potentially lowering your housing costs)
- Council Tax Reduction (depending on local council rules)
Additionally, Attendance Allowance: ✔ Is tax-free ✔ Does not impact your State Pension ✔ Is not subject to the Benefit Cap ✔ Can be claimed even if you are still working
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
To apply, you need to complete an Attendance Allowance claim form. While the process may seem complex, support is available.
Steps to Apply:
- Obtain the application form:
- Download it from GOV.UK
- Request one by calling 0800 731 0122
- Fill out the form carefully:
- Clearly explain how your condition affects daily life.
- Detail why you need help or supervision.
- Seek assistance if needed:
- Organizations like Citizens Advice can guide you.
- Online step-by-step instructions are also available.
- Submit your application:
- Send the completed form to DWP via post.
Should You Apply for PIP Instead?
If you are nearing State Pension age, consider applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. PIP provides higher payouts and includes mobility support, which Attendance Allowance does not.
Final Thoughts
Attendance Allowance is a crucial financial aid that helps pensioners manage health-related expenses. While 1.7 million people currently receive it, many more eligible individuals have yet to apply.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Attendance Allowance, don’t miss out. Applying can significantly improve your quality of life by covering essential costs. Visit GOV.UK or contact Citizens Advice to start your claim today.
