The benefit too many OAPs miss out on

Hundreds of thousands of OAPs fail to claim little known allowance, which could be worth up to £4500 a year

MORE than 1.6million UK pensioners in need of care are failing to claim a vital benefit that could be worth up to £4500 a year.

They’re missing out on Attendance Allowance, which could be a huge help both to them and families struggling to look after them, analysis by a poverty charity has revealed.

The benefit of up to £87.65 a week is available for people of state pension age and over with care needs.

Crucially, it is not means tested and doesn’t affect any other income claimants may have.

But the Turn2us study shows it seems to be one of the best-kept secrets among benefits – and it is shocking so many people are missing out what they are due to.

The charity found men and women aged 70 to 74 are the most likely to not take up this allowance, with about 542,000 not claiming.

In the age group from 65 to 69, the figure is an estimated 437,000.

David Samson, welfare benefit specialist at Turn2us, said:

“Unclaimed benefits are a huge issue in the UK. Whether it is because of an overly complicated system, societal stigma or simply not knowing about them, there are many reasons why people miss out on their benefits.

“But people over 65 are especially likely not to claim.”

A key reason is a lack of awareness Attendance Allowance even exists – while others are simply too proud to put in a claim.

But, unlike most other financial help, people can claim it regardless of their income or National Insurance contributions record – and even those selffunding in a care home can get it.

Former pensions minister Steve Webb, director of policy at insurance giant Royal London, said: “The cost of care for elderly or disabled people can be huge, so it is vital they claim the help that is theirs by right.

“The application form can be a bit daunting but, if you get help filling it in, it is well worth it.”

Don’t miss out on a penny’s worth of cash that could help towards the cost of care. We’ve teamed up with Turn2us to offer this guide.

What is Attendance Allowance?

It is money available to people who have reached their state pension age or over and who have care needs. It's available in Scotland, England Wales and Northern Ireland.

You could qualify if you need help with activities such as getting dressed, going to the toilet or being looked after so you do not hurt yourself.

And it can include help outside the home.

It does not matter if no one actually gives you this help, as long as you can show you need it.

You can have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia or depression.

Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs.

Your income and savings are not taken into account when you are assessed to see if you qualify. And

claiming it won’t reduce any other income you receive.

Claiming it could also mean you become entitled to other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit our Council Tax Reduction.

Who is eligible?

To get Attendance Allowance you must usually have had care needs for at least six months.

You must be living in the UK when you make a claim and Britain must be where you normally live.

Also, you must have lived in the UK for six months in the last year.

You cannot claim if you are living in a council care home or are in hospital.

There are special rules for people who are terminally ill and expected to die within six months to help them to get the highest rate of the allowance straight away.

In these circumstances, you do not need to have had care needs for six months before you make a claim and do not have to have been living in the UK for six months in the last year.

Another person, such as your partner, relative or a friend, can apply for Attendance Allowance on your behalf without your knowledge under these special rules. But the money will still be paid to you.

How do I make a claim?

You will need your National Insurance number and may need proof of your identity, such as your birth certificate, passport or driving licence.

You can download the claim form at gov.uk/government/ publications/attendanceallowance-claim-form.

Or you can get a claim form by calling 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317), Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Once the form is received, you may have to have a medical examination – although this does not usually happen.

You must report any changes in your circumstances that might affect your entitlement to the benefit.

Where can I do a benefits check?

Find out if you are missing out on any benefits you may be entitled to by using the benefits calculator at benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk.

It is vital that they claim the help that is theirs by right