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Winter Fuel Payment: Pensioners express anger with government
Sick and disabled older people who are losing Winter Fuel Payment could be entitled to another benefit worth much more from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it has emerged.
Pensions Minister Emma Reynolds has explained how disability benefits can provide a “tax-free, non-income-related contribution towards the extra costs people with a long-term health condition or disabilities can face, such as additional heating costs”.
The minister was challenged by Labour MP Dr Marie Tidball, who asked specifically what steps are being taken “to help mitigate the potential impact of the withdrawal of Winter Fuel Payments on disabled non-Pension Credit recipient pensioners”.
In response, the minister highlighted the fact that pensioners could be able to claim Attendance Allowance which, she said “can be worth up to £5,600 a year”.
Pensioners who qualify will receive either £72.65 or £108.55 each week depending on their needs. Payments are made every four weeks and work out at £290.60 or £434.20 respectively, equivalent to £3,77.80 or £5,644.60 each year.
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Significantly, Attendance Allowance payments do not count towards income for other DWP means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.
In a written response on the issue, the Pensions Minister said: “Attendance Allowance can be worth up to £5,600 a year.
“Entitlement to Attendance Allowance is based on the ongoing need for frequent personal care and attention, or supervision to ensure personal safety, rather than on the individual’s medical condition. It is paid out of general taxation and is a tax-free, non-contributory, and non-means-tested benefit so is not affected by other income or savings.
“Pensioners in receipt of Attendance Allowance and on a low-income may qualify for Pension Credit including an additional amount for disability providing they meet the other eligibility criteria.”
The latest figures from the DWP show that at the end of February 2024, some 1.6 million older people were in receipt of Attendance Allowance.
Health conditions supported by Attendance Allowance
If you need extra support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should check out the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
Main health conditions providing support to older people across Great Britain
Arthritis
Spondylosis
Back Pain
Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
Trauma to Limbs
Visual Disorders and Diseases
Hearing Disorders
Heart Disease
Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
Cerebrovascular Disease
Peripheral vascular Disease
Epilepsy
Neurological Diseases
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson’s Disease
Motor Neurone Disease
Chronic Pain Syndromes
Diabetes Mellitus
Metabolic Disease
Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
Learning Difficulties
Psychosis
Psychoneurosis
Personality Disorder
Dementia
Behavioural Disorder
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Hyperkinetic Syndrome
Renal Disorders
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Bowel and Stomach Disease
Blood Disorders
Haemophilia
Multi System Disorders
Multiple Allergy Syndrome
Skin Disease
Malignant Disease
Severely Mentally impaired
Double Amputee
Deaf/Blind
Haemodialysis
Frailty
Total Parenteral Nutrition
AIDS
Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19
What needs are covered by a claim for Attendance Allowance?
Help with personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
Help to stay safe
You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
a mental health condition
learning difficulties
a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
Pensioners who qualify will receive either £72.65 or £108.55 each week (Image: Getty)
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.
You can spend the money however you like, and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
paying for taxis
helping towards bills
paying for a cleaner or gardener
Winter heating bill help
Can you claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either – there’s no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won’t have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect the State Pension?
No, it won’t affect the State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
Extra Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
Council Tax Reduction
How do I make a claim?
You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from Citizens Advice and Independent Age.
Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
You won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.