The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to contact state pensioners within three weeks about claims for Attendance Allowance. This tax-free benefit can provide eligible individuals with up to £5,959.20 per year, paid weekly at either £76.70 or £114.60, which sums up to a base figure of £307 monthly.
Attendance Allowance is intended for people aged 66 and over who have a disability or health condition requiring regular assistance or supervision. To apply, claimants can submit their applications online or by post.
Applicants typically receive confirmation within three weeks of applying, followed by a written decision detailing any payments awarded. When applying, you will need your National Insurance number, contact information, and detailed information about your disability or health condition. Additionally, details of your GP, hospital, care home, or hospice—if applicable—must be provided.
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For postal applications, the Attendance Allowance claim form can be printed and sent to Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance. The envelope should only display this freepost address, requiring no stamp or postcode. If writing for a form is preferred, the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline is available at 0800 731 0122, or for Relay UK users, dial 18001 followed by 0800 731 0122.
The form includes guidance notes to assist with completion. Awarded claimants will be informed of their first payment date in the decision letter. Online applications take effect on the date of claim submission, while postal applications start from when the DWP receives the form. If obtaining the form via phone, the claim starts from the call date, provided the completed form is returned within six weeks.