DWP 48 conditions that could boost state pensioner income by £5,644 | Personal Finance | Finance

Millions of State Pensioners could be in line for an income boost exceeding £5,000 if they live with one of 48 health conditions. Elderly individuals suffering from long-term illnesses, disabilities or physical or mental health conditions may be unaware that they could be eligible for support via Attendance Allowance.

This non-means-tested DWP benefit can offer either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. Typically paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 per pay period – a total of £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year.

This makes it considerably more valuable than the one-off annual Winter Fuel Payment, providing an additional £5,314 in financial aid. However, if you’re over 66 and on a low income, it’s crucial to verify your entitlement to Pension Credit, which is worth approximately £4,200 annually and can provide access to other support, including help with housing costs, Council Tax and Winter Fuel Payments.

To swiftly check eligibility for Pension Credit, older individuals, or their friends and family, can use the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV. UK, reports the Daily Record.

Pensioners can directly contact the Pension Credit helpline to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 – lines are open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. According to the latest data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as of May 2024, over 1.6 million people above State Pension age were receiving additional financial aid through Attendance Allowance.

If you’re in need of extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, it’s recommended that you check out the official eligibility guidance for Attendance Allowance on the GOV. UK website.

Attendance Allowance explained

It’s a benefit designed to help with additional costs if you have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes self-care difficult – however, it doesn’t cover mobility needs. Importantly, you don’t need to have someone caring for you to make a claim.

You should consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help. This could include assistance with personal care such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and using the toilet, or help to stay safe.

If you find personal tasks challenging, whether they take a long time, cause pain or require physical assistance, you might want to think about applying for Attendance Allowance. Remember, this benefit isn’t just for individuals with physical disabilities or illnesses.

The Personal Independence Payment (PIP), also applicable for those requiring help or supervision throughout the day or night due to mental health conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory conditions like deafness or visual impairment, is paid at the same rate as Attendance Allowance. This could be either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) per week, equating to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.

The funds can be used as you see fit and could aid in maintaining your independence at home, such as covering taxi fares, contributing towards bills, or hiring a cleaner or gardener. Crucially, Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so your savings and other income won’t affect your eligibility.

Moreover, it’s tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning it won’t reduce any other benefits you receive. Your State Pension won’t be affected by Attendance Allowance, and you can still claim it even if you’re working and earning money.

If you’re eligible for Attendance Allowance, you might also see an increase in other benefits such as Extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit Reduction, and Council Tax Reduction. To apply, you’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form, which can be daunting, but assistance is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.

If you’re nearing State Pension age and contemplating applying for Attendance Allowance, it could be more advantageous to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately as you might receive a higher amount. However, if you’re already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs, you won’t qualify for Attendance Allowance.

Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance

1. 1. Multiple Allergy Syndrome
   2. Hearing Disorders
   3. Malignant Disease
   4. Back Pain
   5. Metabolic Disease
   6. Dementia
   7. Cerebrovascular Disease
   8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
   9. Multi System Disorders
   10. Cystic Fibrosis
   11. Skin Disease
   12. Psychosis
   13. Psychoneurosis
   14. Asthma
   15. Learning Difficulties
   16. Deaf/Blind
   17. Personality Disorder
   18. Neurological Diseases
   19. Total Parenteral Nutrition
   20. Haemodialysis
   21. Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
   22. Renal Disorders
   23. Severely Mentally impaired
   24. Double Amputee
   25. Arthritis
   26. Frailty
   27. AIDS
   28. Visual Disorders and Diseases
   29. Bowel and Stomach Disease
   30. Diabetes Mellitus
   31. Trauma to Limbs
   32. Hyperkinetic Syndrome
   33. Behavioural Disorder
   34. Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
   35. Multiple Sclerosis
   36. Haemophilia
   37. Alcohol and Drug Abuse
   38. Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19
   39. Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
   40. Chronic Pain Syndromes
   41. Epilepsy
   42. Spondylosis
   43. Blood Disorders
   44. Heart Disease
   45. Peripheral vascular Disease
   46. Parkinsons Disease
   47. Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
   48. Motor Neurone Disease