The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released updated guidance for state pensioners looking to claim Attendance Allowance. The benefit is available to those aged 66 or older who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.

To streamline the process, the DWP introduced an online application system for the benefit last year, and it only accepts a limited number of applications each week. Paper applications remain an option for individuals who cannot apply online or miss the weekly submission window.

To apply by post, individuals should call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to request a form.

Then, when mailing the form, the DWP’s updated guidance specifies that claimants should only write the Freepost address on the envelope without needing a postcode or stamp.

Commenting on the online application process, a DWP spokesperson said: “We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post.”

Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?

Claimants must be over the state pension age (66) and have a type of disability or illness to claim Attendance Allowance. More than 1.6 million state pensioners are currently claiming the benefit. A wide range of health conditions could qualify a person for it, but here are the main conditions claimed for:

• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Conditions
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Back Pain
• Visual Disorders and Diseases
• Parkinson’s
• Neurological Conditions.

It must be clear that claimants could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, eating and drinking, or needing supervision to keep them safe during the day or night.

People must have needed for the past six months unless they have less than 12 months to live.

However, it should be noted that people won’t be able to claim Attendance Allowance if they already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

How much is Attendance Allowance worth?

Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: The lower rate and the higher rate. The amount eligible claimants receive is calculated based on how much help is needed, not any current help the person does or doesn’t get.

The 2024/25 rates are:

• Lower rate: £72.65 per week
• Higher rate: £108.55 per week.

This means the highest payment is worth around £470 a month and a much more significant £5,644 a year.

These rates will increase by 1.7% in April to reflect the annual benefit payment uplift. When this comes into effect, the lower and higher rates will be:

• Lower rate: £73.90 per week
• Higher rate: £110.40 per week.

Those requiring assistance during the day or night may qualify for the lower rate, while those needing help both day and night or facing a terminal illness may be eligible for the higher rate.

How to claim Attendance Allowance

People can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. Claimants will need:

• Their National Insurance number
• Address and contact details
• Details of the health condition or disability that they need extra help for
• Details of their GP surgery or medical centre
• Details of their care home, hospital or hospice if they’re currently staying in one.

Claimants can apply online here or by post by contacting the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.