State pensioners can get access to another £208 boost on top of their state pension.
State pensioners can get an extra £118 per week (Image: Getty)
A benefit given to state pensioners has been given another cash boost in the latest Budget by Chancellor John Healey and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
The DWP will increase the payout for Attendance Allowance by another £4 a week for the higher rate, or £2.70 a week for the lower rate. It’s not means-tested either, which means that regardless of how much income you have, how much you have in savings or what else you own, you could still be eligible for the full benefit from the DWP for those who qualify for both parts.
The benefit is claimable by anyone who needs help with personal care due to an illness or disability. There are two different weekly rates, and how much you get depends on how much help you need day to day, but it is limited to state pensioners.
The DWP has confirmed a handout worth nearly £6,000 each year (Image: Getty)
The lower rate pays £79.40 per week and is for those who need help during the day OR at night. The higher rate pays £118.60 per week and is for those who need help during the day AND night, or who are terminally ill.
The higher rate has been increased by £4 per week in the latest Budget, or £208 per year, while the lower rate has been boosted by £140.40 per year.
And according to Age UK, the money is given to you regardless of your income or savings. It says: “The money you receive isn’t taxable or means-tested – so your savings or income won’t affect your claim. Claiming also won’t affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction.”
To claim the money, you need to be of state pension age and have ‘any type’ of disability or physical or mental illness.
Age UK adds: “You have any type of disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia. You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night.
“You’ve needed help for at least six months. This doesn’t apply if you’re terminally ill, in which case you can make a claim straight away.”
On a previous series of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV1, Martin Lewis explained that to be eligible, there is a precedent set in law which defines the kind of help that is likely to warrant claiming the benefit and result in you being paid the money.
He added: “What defines help? Well the first one is help with daily living, and a famous old judge… in 1981 defined this and it still fits for today.
“This is help with bodily functions including breathing, hearing, seeing, eating, drinking, walking, sitting, sleeping, getting in or out of bed, dressing, undressing, eliminating waste products and the like. All of which an ordinary person who is not suffering from any disabilities does for himself.
“That is the definition of help which is needed.
“You can see the broad range of people who this would impact.”
Martin then listed four conditions which would be likely to qualify, adding: “This is common for people with Parkinson’s, or physical disabilities, dementia or terminal illness and more.
“You can apply on someone else’s behalf as long as they are capable of understanding or you can sign it for them if you have Power of Attorney.”