Most of the people over the State Pension age who get financial help through Attendance Allowance do so because they have heart conditions, according to new figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Individuals over the State Pension age can get important support in the form of Attendance Allowance, which provides financial help to people with health problems that require extra help with daily tasks.
This benefit is meant to help older people stay in their homes longer by making it easier on their finances to pay for the care they need.
DWP Attendance Allowance for Heart Condition
The DWP recognizes a number of heart diseases that can qualify for the Attendance Allowance. These include angina, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, and high blood pressure. The fact that these conditions are so common makes it even more important to help those who are hurt financially.
Over 1.5 million people over the age of 65 who are eligible for the State Pension get Attendance Allowance for a variety of health reasons.
On top of that, more than 110,600 people get the assistance just for heart problems.
Each week, the benefit is either £72.65 or £108.55, which adds up to £290.60 or £434.20 every four weeks.
Eligibility Criteria
Those who want to get an Attendance Allowance must meet a number of requirements, including:
Age Requirement: You must be old enough to get a state pension.
Not able to Must have either a physical disability (such as blindness or a sensory disability) or a mental disability (such as learning problems), or both. The disability should be bad enough that the person needs help with personal care or should be supervised to stay safe.
Duration of Need: The person has needed this amount of help for at least six months, unless they have a disease that will kill them in 12 months or less.
Residence and Presence: Applicants must be in Great Britain at the time of the claim and have been there for at least two of the last three years (with some exceptions for refugees or people with humanitarian protection status). They must also normally reside in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands and not be subject to immigration control (with some exceptions).
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Other Benefit Limits: They can not be getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) at the same time.
How to Claim UK DWP Attendance Allowance
Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance is the place where people can send their claim forms for Attendance Allowance. They can print them out, fill them out, and then mail them. There is no need for postage or a specific address.
Through the Helpline: People can also call the helpline to ask for a claim form. People who need help or have questions about the process can use this way.
Reporting Changes in Circumstances
People who receive benefits must tell any changes in their lives, as these changes may affect the amount of benefits they receive. Some of the things that need to be reported are changes in the amount of help that is needed, going to hospitals or care homes, leaving the country for long periods of time, going to jail, changing personal information like name, address, and bank information, and changing immigration status.
Not reporting changes can get you in trouble with the law, like going to court or getting fined, especially if you give wrong information or do not keep people updated on how things are changing.
United Kingdom Attendance Allowance Benefit Rates
Showing up Allowance is given at two different rates, based on how much help is needed:
- Lower Rate (£72.65): For those who require frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
- Higher Rate (£108.55): For individuals needing help or supervision throughout both day and night, or those with a terminal illness with 12 months or less to live.
It is important to note that Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, which means that the amount received does not depend on how much money the person makes or saves.
All benefits, like the Attendance Allowance, are sent directly to an account the recipient chooses at a bank, building society, or credit union. This makes sure that the person getting help has a safe and direct way to get help.