State Pensioners given new way to claim DWP benefit worth up to £434 a month

People over the State Pension age have been urged to check whether they could be eligible for up to £434.20 a month to help with extra costs, with a new way to apply now available.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) now offers an online service accepting a "limited number" of applications each week for Attendance Allowance. This benefit is given to those who are State Pension age or over, currently 66 years old, and have a physical or mental disability or health condition that means they need someone to help look after them.

The Government is expected to lay out its plans to cut sickness and disability benefits by the spring, with the Treasury warning of 'difficult' spending decisions. It comes as DWP send out letters to pensioners as they could be eligible for extra £3,900 a year.

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Commenting on the new online application process, a DWP spokesperson told the Daily Record: "We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no-one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post."

Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates, with how much you will receive dependent on the level of care that you require because of your disability or health condition. The lower rate is currently £72.65 per week, which is paid to those who need help or supervision during either the day or night, while the higher rate is £108.55, which is given to people who need help or supervision during both the day and night, Citizens Advice explains.

If you are eligible for Attendance Allowance, it could also entitle you to additional support such as extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or a reduction on your Council Tax bill. However, you will not be able to claim Attendance Allowance if you are already in receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment.

You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you have needed help for your disability or health condition for at least six months. However, it's important to note that you do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim - eligibility is based on the help you need, not the help that you receive.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning your savings or income won't affect the outcome of your claim, and it also does not have to be spent on paying for a carer. Many claimants spend the allowance on other means of helping themselves in the home, including equipment that can help them stay independent for longer.

To apply, you will need to have your National Insurance number to hand, as well as details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for, your address and contact information, and details of your GP surgery or medical centre. As well as now being able to apply online via the new service, you can also apply by post, and will receive a text or letter within three weeks of sending off your application to let you know when you can expect a decision.