DWP says only ‘limited’ number of people can apply for £441 Financial Boost: Check Are you in the List

Good news for older people in the UK who need help due to illness or disability. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has made changes to how you can apply for Attendance Allowance, a benefit for people over the State Pension age. These updates aim to make it easier to apply, especially through an online form.

Let’s take a look at the latest updates and how they may help you or someone you care for.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people who are 66 or older (the current UK State Pension age). It is for those who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.

There are two payment rates:

• Lower rate: £73.80 a week (for people who need help during the day or at night)
• Higher rate: £110.40 a week (for people who need help during the day and night, or are terminally ill)

This means you could receive between £295.60 and £441.60 per month, depending on your needs.

What Has Changed in the Application Process?

The DWP now allows more people to apply for Attendance Allowance online, which was not possible for many before. While the option was introduced last year, it has recently been updated with important changes:

Key Changes:

• People nearing the end of life can now apply online (this was not allowed before).
• Appointees and those with power of attorney still cannot apply online.
• The DWP says it can only take a limited number of online applications per week, but has not shared the exact number.

How Can You Apply Online?

To use the online application, you must:

• Use a desktop or laptop computer (not a phone or tablet).
• Visit the GOV.UK website and look for the Attendance Allowance section.

The service is still being tested, so it may not be available to everyone at once. If you cannot apply online, don’t worry – you can still apply through the postal method.

Applying by Post

To apply by post:

• Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to get the form.
• Fill out the form carefully, explaining how your illness or disability affects your daily life.
• Include any supporting documents or medical evidence.

Important postal update: The DWP now reminds applicants not to write anything on the envelope except the Freepost address. You don’t need a postcode or stamp.

What the DWP Says About the Changes

A DWP spokesperson said:
“We are temporarily testing a new online service to make claiming Attendance Allowance easier and to improve accessibility. While the online service is not yet widely available, no one will miss out on the benefit as claimants can still apply in the usual way by post.”

This means whether you apply online or by post, you will not lose your chance to receive Attendance Allowance if you are eligible.

The DWP is trying to make it easier for older people to get the help they need through the Attendance Allowance. While not everyone can apply online just yet, the process is improving and becoming more accessible. If you or someone you know is over 66 and needs help due to illness or disability, it’s worth checking if you qualify.

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