The Attendance Allowance is an important part of financial support mechanism designed to help those people in the United Kingdom who are facing challenges due to disabilities. Its aim is to ease the financial burden on individuals with disabilities and make sure that they can access the necessary care and support to maintain their health. This article will explore the overview of the High-Rate Attendance Allowance, its eligibility criteria, and how to apply. Read on!
What is Attendance Allowance in UK?
Attendance Allowance in the United Kingdom is a financial assistance provided from the British government to the individuals who are of age 65 or older and require further support in their personal care due to a physical or mental disability. It’s one of several benefits available to senior citizens, along with WFP and PIP.
The purpose of Attendance Allowance is to help cover the additional costs associated with the care and support needed by individuals with severe disabilities. Since attendance allowance is neither taxable nor based on national contributions, so that is why it’s not means-tested, which means that eligibility is not based on income or savings. Applicants must be the resident of the United Kingdom, is 65 years old or more, and has a serious illness or injury, and needs care or supervision.
Types of attendance allowance which one can claim
Lower Rate: When the person requires regular help to get through the daily activities at this rate. Also, the applicant is required to have someone else watch over them both during the day and night. In this case, the DWP offers a weekly total of £68.10 at this rate.
Higher Rate: The candidate first must fulfil the lower rate’s eligibility criteria to qualify for the higher rate. In this case, the applicant must submit a medical report stating that he has less than a year to live, written by a certified doctor. If the conditions are fulfilled, then the candidate can claim a weekly total of £101.75 from the DWP.
Overview of Attendance Allowance in UK
| Name | Attendance Allowance |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Regulating body / Department | Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Government Aid – Finance |
| Objective | Aid seniors, old age and disabled. |
| Applicable persons | Children |
| Age Limit | 67+ years |
| Amount (per week basis) | Lower Rate – £68.10
Higher Rate – £101.75 |
| Payment Duration | Every 4 weeks (normal)
Every 1 week (subject to conditions) |
| Website | www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance |
Eligibility Criteria High-Rate Attendance Allowance of £101.75 in UK
- Age: Applicant must be at State Pension age. State pension age is the age at which individuals become eligible to receive the state pension. Attendance allowance takes the data from state pension and then distributes the amount. The age can be from 65 to 67 years to start claiming the amount.
- Disability or Illness: Must have a disability or illness that impacts the ability for self-care. It can include:
- Physical Disabilities: Such as sensory disabilities (e.g., blindness).
- Mental Disabilities: Including learning difficulties.
- You have both the conditions.
- Duration of Assistance: The assistance from someone required for at least 6 months due to disability. Assistance can be related to personal care or safety, either for oneself or someone else.
- Residency and Immigration Status: Must be a permanent citizen of Great Britain or have been in Great Britain for at least 2 out of the last 3 years.
- Habitual resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.
- Not subjected to immigration control (unless person is a sponsored immigrant).
- Exceptions can be out of country members and family members of the Armed Forces.
- Special Rules for Terminal Illness (Higer Rate): If the certified medical professional has indicated that the person is having 12 months or less to live, then they are entitled to High-Rate Attendance Allowance of £101.75 in UK.
Payment duration for attendance allowance
- The amount will be paid into bank account, building society or credit union account,
- and is typically paid out on every 4 weeks.
- It can also be paid out weekly under certain circumstances.
How to apply for Attendance Allowance of £101.75 in UK
- Download or Request the Form: Download the form from the official gov.uk website. Attach the supporting documents such as GP letters, care plans, or prescription lists.
- Call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122.
- Complete the Form: Provide complete and accurate details of the medical condition and the required assistance.
- Submit Application: Submit either online or post to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The claim will start on the date DWP receives it.
- If a person calls the helpline to request a form, then claim will start on the date of the call (provided he returns the form within 6 weeks).
- Special Rules for High-Rate Attendance Allowance: If a person has less than 12 months to live, then the person can ask doctor for form SR1 (special rules) and complete and submit the form to get High-Rate Attendance Allowance of £101.75.
DWP will send out a letter within 3 weeks explaining the expected processing time and date of first payment. If a person wishes to challenge the decision, then he can request mandatory reconsideration with DWP.
Also You Can the application status for Attendance Allowance. To Check High Rate Attendance Allowance of £101.75 in UK, You can call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 and provide their application number to check the status.
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Julie Kanary is an accomplished author and financial analyst with a keen interest in social security, tax, and finance-related topics. With a wealth of experience in the field, Julie has established herself as a reputable voice in the domain of economic policy and financial literacy.Drawing upon her extensive background in economics and finance, Liam contributes regularly & offering insightful perspectives and analysis on a wide range of topics.