DWP announced £5,600 per year to State Pensioners born before 1959: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced that state pensioners born before 1959 can now apply for in Attendance Allowance through a new online application process. This benefit, worth £434 per payment period, is available to those who need extra support due to a disability or health condition.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
State pensioners can now apply for Attendance Allowance in the following ways:
- Online: A limited number of applications are accepted each week.
- By Post: You can download and print a form or request one via the helpline.
What You Need to Apply
To complete your application, you will need:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your address and contact details
- Details of your disability or health condition
- Your GP surgery or medical centre details
- Information about any care home, hospital, or hospice stays (if applicable)
Who Cannot Apply Online?
You cannot apply online if:
- You are applying as an appointee for someone else
- You have power of attorney
If you fall into these categories, you must apply using a paper form or by contacting the DWP helpline.
How to Request a Paper Application Form
If you prefer to apply by post, you can:
- Download and print the claim form
- Call the DWP helpline to request a form at:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK users: Dial 18001 0800 731 0122
- British Sign Language (BSL) users: Use the video relay service
Where to Send Your Application
Mail your completed form to:
Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance
No postcode or stamp is required.
What Happens After You Apply?
- Within 3 weeks, you will receive a text or letter with an update on your application status.
- Once a decision is made, you’ll receive a letter confirming the outcome and details of your first payment.
When Will Your Claim Start?
- Online applications: Start from the date you submit your claim.
- Posted applications: Start from the date DWP receives your form.
- Helpline requests: If you request a form via phone and return it within 6 weeks, your claim will start from the date of your call.
What If You Disagree with the Decision?
If your claim is rejected or you disagree with the amount awarded, you can request a mandatory reconsideration to have your case reviewed.
You can also file a complaint with DWP if you are unhappy with the service you receive.
The new online system for Attendance Allowance makes it easier for state pensioners born before 1959 to apply for financial support. Whether applying online, by phone, or via post, it’s crucial to provide all the required details to ensure a smooth application process. If you need extra help due to a health condition, don’t miss out on this valuable support—apply today.
FAQ’s
Who can apply for the £5,600 Attendance Allowance?
State pensioners born before 1959 who need extra support due to a disability or health condition can apply.
How can I apply for Attendance Allowance?
You can apply online (limited applications per week), by post, or by calling the DWP helpline to request a form.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need your National Insurance number, contact details, GP information, and details of any disability or health condition requiring support.
When will my Attendance Allowance payments start?
If you apply online, payments start from the date you submit your claim. For postal applications, it starts from when DWP receives your form.
What if my Attendance Allowance claim is rejected?
You can request a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree with the decision or the amount awarded.
What if I am already claiming Attendance Allowance.. Do I have to do anything more. Many thanks
Hello Maureen Lindsay,
You can ask here:
Attendance Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
When I become a pensioner and found that living on a pension was going to be tough. I feel that we should get at least the same as a worker earning the basic wage of 40 hours. The prices of everything has stopped us enjoying our retirement and having to penny pinch on shopping. We have worked hard over our lifetime and we should get a pension we can live on. I wouldn’t like begging off family, it would not be fair to ask.
This govt is increasing the gap between those with only state pension with no private pension and those that have pension credit.
How can i apply from abroad