DWP confirmed £5,600 per year to State Pensioners born before 1959: Check Eligibility Conditions

If you were born before 1959 and receive the state pension, there’s important news for you. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made it easier to get extra financial support through Attendance Allowance.

This benefit helps people with disabilities or health issues. You can now apply online, and if approved, you could get up to £5,600 per year, which works out to £434 every payment period.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a payment offered to older people who need help due to a physical or mental health condition. This support is not means-tested, which means it doesn’t matter how much money or savings you have. It’s meant to help with the cost of care and support.

Who Can Apply?

You can apply if:

• You were born before 1959
• You have a disability or health condition
• You need help or supervision with personal care, either during the day or night

This benefit is especially helpful for people who need regular support but don’t live in a care home.

How Much Money Can You Get?

The allowance is paid at two different rates, depending on how much support you need:

• The lower rate is for people who need help during either the day or night.
• The higher rate is for those who need help during both day and night.

In most cases, the payment is £434 every payment period, which adds up to £5,600 a year if you receive the higher rate.

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

You can now apply in three different ways:

1. Apply Online

A new online form is now available, but only a limited number of online applications are accepted each week.

2. Apply by Post

If you prefer, you can download the form and print it. You can also request one by calling the DWP helpline.

3. Apply by Phone

You can ask for a form over the phone using these numbers:

• Telephone: 0800 731 0122
• Textphone: 0800 731 0317
• Relay UK: 18001 0800 731 0122
• BSL Users: Use the video relay service

What You Need for the Application

To complete your form, have these things ready:

• National Insurance number
• Full address and phone number
• Details of your health problem
• Your doctor’s contact info
• Info about any hospital or care home stays

Who Cannot Apply Online?

Some people must apply by post only. You can’t apply online if:

• You are applying on behalf of someone else
• You have Power of Attorney for the person

These cases need a paper form for security reasons.

Where to Send the Completed Form

Send your filled-out form to:

Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance
(No postcode or stamp is needed)

What Happens After You Apply?

After you apply, here’s what to expect:

• You’ll get a text or letter within 3 weeks updating you on your application.
• If approved, you’ll get another letter with your payment start date and amount.

When Will Your Payment Start?

It depends on how you apply:

• Online: Starts from the date you submit your application.
• By post: Starts from the date DWP receives your form.
• By phone: If you request a form and send it back within 6 weeks, it starts from the date of your call.

What If You Don’t Agree With the Decision?

If your application is rejected, or the amount is lower than expected, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This means DWP will review your case again. You can also file a complaint if you feel the service was not good

The new online system is a big help for state pensioners born before 1959. With a maximum of £5,600 a year, Attendance Allowance can make a big difference for those needing care. Whether you apply online, by phone, or through the post, make sure you fill out all details clearly. If you or someone you know needs extra support because of a health condition, this is the right time to apply for Attendance Allowance.

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