From April 2025, Attendance Allowance will increase payment rates administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for members of the public who are older than the State Pension age and require assistance due to a disability or health condition. This paper covers fresh rates of payments, eligibility criteria, and methods for applying.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance allowance is a tax-free benefit for a person of State Pension age or older, who has a disability or health condition compelling them to need help with personal care. It is intended to defray some of the extra costs associated with the needs of daily living, but not bodily mobility.
Updated Payment Rates From April 2025
Attendance Allowance payments will be increased in April 2025 as part of the annual uprating of benefits by the government. The new lower rate for weekly payment applies to those who need assistance during the day or at night and will be £73.90. The higher rate will have a weekly payment of £110.40, for those who need care during both day and night or are terminally ill.
Thus, for a beneficiary on the higher rate, the amount is about £441 per month.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, you must be above State Pension age. You must also have some physical or mental disability or medical condition which causes you to have difficulties in looking after yourself. The condition should mean that you need help or supervision throughout the day or during the night.
You must have needed it for a minimum of 6 months unless terminally ill, in which case the waiting time does not apply. Your eligibility is not affected by means testing so that your income and savings will not affect it. You do not need to have a carer to apply.
How to apply
You need to obtain a claim form to apply for Attendance Allowance. You can either download the form from the official government website or ask for it through the Attendance Allowance helpline to receive it through the post. Give detailed descriptions of your needing care and how your condition affects your daily living when filling in the form.
Once that is done, post the form to the address indicated for submission. A caregiver, family member, or a local advice organization can help you fill out the form to give you good chances of a successful application.
Does It Affect Other Benefits?
Receiving Attendance Allowance can raise the amount of others such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction received. Thus, when beginning to get Attendance Allowance, you are required to notify the appropriate departments for amending the other entitlements.
Scotland in the House
Scotland is phasing out Attendance Allowance for the Pension Age Disability Payment, which will be implemented gradually, starting in some areas in 2024 and nationwide by April 2025. People currently receiving Attendance Allowance in Scotland will be transferred automatically to the new system and will not have to reapply.
The Bottom Line
In its April 2025 increase in the Attendance Allowance rates, the government is showing its concern for older individuals living with health difficulties. Therefore, if you or someone you know might be eligible, it is worthwhile to take the time to understand the application process and claim that support to which you are entitled. This financial assistance can truly facilitate the meeting of personal care needs and improve quality of life.