Over 1.5 million older individuals claiming Attendance Allowance are set to receive a significant income boost in the coming months, as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has applied the annual uprating to both the State Pension and the disability benefit. Those on Attendance Allowance will receive either £72.65 or £108.55 each week during the 2024/25 financial year, depending on their level of need.

The full New State Pension is now valued at £221.20 per week (£884.80 every four-week pay period), while the Basic State Pension can reach up to £169.50 (£678 every four-week pay period). The amount you receive depends on your National Insurance contributions.

Although Attendance Allowance and the State Pension are paid separately, the uprating means that someone receiving the full New State Pension and the higher rate of Attendance Allowance will be due £1,319 every four weeks.

It’s crucial to note that State Pensions and Attendance Allowance are paid every four weeks, resulting in a total of 13 payments throughout the financial year.

Similarly, someone receiving the maximum Basic State Pension will now get £169.50 per week from April. When combined with the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, this totals £1,112 every four weeks, reports the Daily Record.

Here’s a summary of the uprating on State Pensions and Attendance Allowance, along with a guide to claiming this disability benefit for yourself or someone you know who might be missing out.

Attendance Allowance

The annual increase of 6.7 per cent will see Attendance Allowance claimants receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week during the 2024/25 financial year. This equates to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

The payments below are based on someone receiving the full, maximum rate of the New or Basic State Pension.

Full New State Pension 2024/25

These figures are based on someone receiving the full payment.

• Weekly rate 2024/25: £221.20 (up from £203.85)
• Four-week pay period: £884.80 (up from £815.40)

Full Basic State Pension 2024/25

These figures are based on someone receiving the full payment.

• Weekly rate 2024/25: £169.50 (up from ££156.20)
• Four-week pay period: £678 (up from £624.80)

State Pension and Attendance Allowance combined income

Full New State Pension payments over a 4-week period:

Full Basic State Pension payments over a 4-week period:

What is Attendance Allowance?

Currently, Attendance Allowance assists more than 1.5 million older people across Great Britain, including 136,252 residing in Scotland, with the additional daily living costs associated with having a physical or mental health condition, disability or long-term illness. Many more individuals could be eligible for the benefit, but may not have sufficient information about it to make a claim.

Who can make a claim?

If you’re struggling with a disability or illness and require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night, even if you’re not currently receiving that help, you might want to consider applying for Attendance Allowance.

This could include needing help with personal care tasks such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, moving in and out of bed, bathing or showering, and using the toilet. It could also be applicable if you need help to stay safe.

You should also think about applying if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for instance, if they take a long time, cause you pain, or if you need physical support like a chair to lean on. Remember, Attendance Allowance isn’t just for those with a physical disability or illness.

It’s also worth considering if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night due to a mental health condition, learning difficulties, or a sensory condition such as being deaf or blind.

So, how much could you potentially receive from Attendance Allowance?

Depending on the level of care you need because of your condition, you could get either £72.65 or £108.55 a week. This is paid every four weeks and works out at £290.60 and £434.20 respectively.

The money can be spent however you wish and it could help you maintain your independence in your own home for longer.

For example, you could use it to pay for taxis, contribute towards bills, or hire a cleaner or gardener.

But what if you have savings and other income? Can you still claim?

Yes, Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, meaning it doesn’t matter what other income you have or how much you have in savings – there’s no limit. It’s tax-free and you’ll be exempt from the Benefit Cap, so you won’t have money deducted from any other benefits.

Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No, it won’t impact your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money.

How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

The other benefits you receive might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Extra Pension Credit
• Housing Benefit Reduction
• Council Tax Reduction

You can check your State Pension age on the GOV. UK website here.

How do I make a claim?

You will need to complete a lengthy claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying.

If you’d prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here.

Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the Gov.uk website here.

What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?

If you’re considering applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim PIP immediately. In Scotland, new claims for PIP have been superseded by the Adult Disability Payment, but both benefits adhere to similar eligibility criteria and offer identical weekly rates.

The amount you receive from a successful PIP claim will depend on your personal circumstances and how your disability or illness impacts you.

More information about claiming PIP can be found on the GOV. UK website here and details about the Adult Disability Payment can be found here.

Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?

You won’t qualify for Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving PIP or DLA to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.

More information about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV. UK website here.