Older people already claiming Attendance Allowance may be able to increase monthly payments by £143
04.04.2024 - 13:31
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of August last year, there were over 1.5 million people across Great Britain receiving additional financial support through Attendance Allowance. The data also indicated that over 136,200 people living in Scotland are currently receiving either £68.10 or £101.75 each week through the benefit.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit, delivered by the DWP and designed to help older people with daily living expenses which could also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. However, for some people, whose condition may have worsened or they have developed further health issues since their award began, it may be necessary to contact the DWP to report a change of circumstances.
This is something that shouldn’t be put off as reporting a change in your circumstances could lead to higher payments for those on the standard rate.
It’s important to be aware that DWP guidance states that if your circumstances change, the amount you get from Attendance Allowance may go up or down.
If you are currently on the lower rate of £68.10 per week, your payments could increase by £33.65 to the higher rate of £101.75. This would see four-weekly payments increase from £272.40 to £407 - a rise of £134.60.
However, from April 8 payment rates are rising to either £72.65 (lower rate) and £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This means a successful change in circumstances for those on the lower rate to the higher rate, would provide a boost of £35.90 each week, or £143.60 every pay period.
From April 8, Attendance Allowance payments will be worth either £290.60 or £434.20 every four-week pay period.
The guidance also lists several reasons for