DWP Attendance Allowance could help those in need after Winter Fuel Payment cut

Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid to people of state pension age and older who have a long-term health condition or disability and need extra care and support, and could be a lifeline for some people

Older individuals who are sick and disabled, and consequently losing out on the Winter Fuel Payment, might be eligible for a different benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) which could be substantially more valuable. Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds has clarified that disability benefits are designed as a "tax-free, non-income-related contribution towards the extra costs people with a long-term health condition or disabilities can face, such as additional heating costs".

Labour MP Dr Marie Tidball raised concerns about the measures in place to alleviate the impact of the cessation of Winter Fuel Payments on disabled pensioners who do not receive Pension Credit. In her response, the minister pointed out the possibility for pensioners to claim Attendance Allowance, which she noted "can be worth up to £5,600 a year".

Eligible pensioners may receive either £72.65 or £108.55 weekly based on their level of need, with payments made every four weeks amounting to £290.60 or £434.20, equating annually to £3,77.80 or £5,644.60. Notably, Attendance Allowance is not considered as income for other DWP means-tested benefits like Pension Credit.

In a written statement addressing this matter, Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds reiterated: "Attendance Allowance can be worth up to £5,600 a year. Entitlement to Attendance Allowance is based on the ongoing need for frequent personal care and attention, or supervision to ensure personal safety, rather than on the individual’s medical condition. It is paid out of general taxation and is a tax-free, non-contributory, and non-means-tested benefit so is not affected by other income or savings.

"Pensioners in receipt of Attendance Allowance and on a low-income may qualify for Pension Credit including an additional amount for disability providing they meet the other eligibility criteria."

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released figures showing that as of the end of February 2024, approximately 1.6 million older individuals were benefiting from Attendance Allowance. If you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability, or health condition, it's advisable to consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV. UK website here.

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

Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19

The allowance is designed to help with personal care needs such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet. It also provides assistance to those who need help to stay safe.

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, you should apply. Attendance Allowance 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, or a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired. As for how much you could receive on Attendance Allowance, you could get either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

The money can be spent 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, and winter heating bill help.

Can you claim Attendance Allowance even if you have savings and other income?

Yes. Attendance Allowance 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 the State Pension?

No, it won't affect the State Pension 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 Attendance Allowance, 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 Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV. UK website here.

Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?

You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP 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 Attendance Allowance instead. More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV. UK website here.