Attendance Allowance higher rate increase for UK state pensioners, Digi Mart USA News (United Kingdom): The Department for Work and Pensions’ Attendance Allowance higher rate is set to rise by over three per cent thanks to the annual uprating from the DWP next year. The forecast rise shows the higher rate could reach £118 from £114.
The £4 increase would work out at £208 a year. You will get this amount if you need help or supervision during both the day and night.
The amount you receive will depend on the difficulties you have and how much help or supervision you need, as well as when you need it, according to DWP guidance.
You can receive the higher rate if you need help or supervision with personal care both during the day and during the night, or if you are terminally ill (approaching the end of life), under special fast-track rules. You can get Attendance Allowance if you have reached State Pension age and have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition.
Other qualifying reasons include a disability or health condition severe enough that you need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you for your own or someone else’s safety, or if you have needed that help for at least six months.
Citizens Advice has described how the benefit is used in practice. Betty, 79, has arthritis in her knee and hip and a heart condition.
She said she uses her Attendance Allowance to visit a friend a few miles away by taxi, rather than taking two buses that took an hour and exhausted her, and to get to appointments and the hairdresser. She still has enough money to pay for a cleaner once a week.
David, 82, has dementia. He said he struggles to make ends meet on his pension, so he uses his Attendance Allowance to help with bills, including keeping the heating on when he is cold.
The money also lets him see more of his grandchildren, as he cannot use public transport on his own.
Recipients can spend their Attendance Allowance however they choose. Citizens Advice says many people use it for taxis, bills, or paying for a cleaner or gardener.
