DWP giving people of state pension age with back pain up to £441 every month
Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness - see who is eligible below
People of state pension age with back pain could be due up to £441 each month. Latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 74,804 people are claiming Attendance Allowance for back pain.
Attendance Allowance is awarded to people over state pension age who need extra help or supervision because of a disability of illness. You could also be eligible if everyday tasks take you a long time, or cause you pain or discomfort.
You may qualify if you have a physical disability, mental disability, or both, and your condition means you have needed help for at least six months.
Attendance Allowance is worth £73.90 a week if you need help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night, or £110.40 a week if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you're nearing the end of your life.
It is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 every pay period. You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
For example, you could choose to spend the money on taxis or a cleaner, to keep you independent. However, you do need to let the DWP know if your circumstances have changed, as it could affect how much Attendance Allowance you get.
Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit there is no limit on how much money you can have in savings. It is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the benefit cap.
In fact, other benefits you already get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance. You won't be able to Attendance Allowance if you already get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Attendance Allowance has been replaced in Scotland with Pension Age Disability Payment.
Attendance Allowance - how to claim
You can claim Attendance Allowance by either printing off and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. You can also call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form using the following numbers:
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service
When filling out the form, you'll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life. You'll also need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists.
Some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance. If you're terminally ill, you can make a claim straight away and you'll be awarded the higher rate.
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Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Welcome to the PIP capital of the UK where one in THREE people claim the benefit
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The council 'ward' known as St. Peter and the Waterfront is the most deprived area of the Devon coastal city and is ranked in the top 1% of most disadvantaged districts in England. According to the city's Labour-run council, residents have a life expectancy of 77 years, roughly 7.5 years less than the city's least deprived area. It also has high rates of smoking, childhood obesity and emergency hospital admissions. Local resident Mary Leigh, 56, who started receiving PIP earlier this year after a heart attack stopped her working as a taxi driver said she sees high levels of benefits abuse in the area. She said: 'It doesn't surprise me at all that this is the highest area in the country for claimants - I am sure a lot of people around here are claiming but don't need it. 'There are a lot of drug and alcohol problems in this area and you see all the users sitting about all day spending their benefits. 'They are proud of not having to work - like the rest of us are suckers. 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The Independent
a day ago
- The Independent
‘You have to fight tooth and nail': PIP claimants tell of struggle to get awarded as Labour accused of making it harder
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BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Derbyshire pip claimants relieved but fearful after PM's U-turn
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