Ageing often comes with its fair share of aches and discomforts. However, when these issues escalate beyond minor inconveniences and start affecting your ability to perform basic daily tasks, it’s time to seek help.

The NHS has outlined a variety of benefits available to people of State Pension age who require assistance due to health conditions or disabilities and it is advising people to check and see if they are eligible. These benefits are designed to provide the necessary care and support for those in need. The NHS states: “You can get a range of benefits if you’re over State Pension age and you have an illness or disability. The extra money can help with the cost of your care.”

Attendance Allowance

The NHS says: “Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age who have a disability or illness severe enough to need someone to help look after them. You must have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill).

“You cannot usually get Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority.” There are 2 rates:

• a lower rate if you need help either in the day or at night
• a higher rate if you need help both day and night

This benefit is not means-tested so it does not matter how much income or savings you have. Learn more about Attendance Allowance on gov.uk

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

The NHS says Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a weekly payment. You can get it if either:

• you’re disabled because of an accident at work
• you have an illness that was caused by work or an employment training scheme

The amount you get depends on your personal circumstances. You cannot get Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit if you were self-employed at the time of the accident. For more details visit Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit on gov.uk

Constant Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance is a payment for people who are ill or disabled because of specific circumstances. The NHS says: “You can get Constant Attendance Allowance if you receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a War Disablement Pension and you need daily care because of a disability.

“How much you get depends on the extent of your disability and the amount of care you need. If you get Constant Attendance Allowance, you cannot get Attendance Allowance as well. But you may be able to get a top up to Constant Attendance Allowance.

Other benefits for older people

You may also be eligible for a number of other benefits. These include:

If you get Attendance Allowance, you could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. You may also be entitled to:

You can check what benefits you are entitled to on the entitledto website

Carer’s Allowance

If you get Attendance Allowance or another disability-related benefit and you have a carer, they may be able to get Carer’s Allowance. For more details visit Carer’s Allowance on gov.uk

More help

Get benefits advice and further help with filling in claim forms from: