DWP Confirms £5,600 Boost For Pensioners Born Before 1959 – How To Secure Your Payment

Older pensioners in the UK are set to benefit from a major financial boost this August. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that individuals born before 1959 could be eligible for up to £5,600 a year through Attendance Allowance.

This non-means-tested benefit is designed to help with the cost of personal care for those living with a disability or serious health condition.

With a simplified application process, including a new online option, securing this payment has never been easier.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit aimed at people over State Pension age who require support with personal care. Unlike many other benefits, your income and savings do not affect eligibility.

It is paid whether you live alone or with others and is intended to make daily living easier for those with long-term illnesses, disabilities, or mental health conditions.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if:

• You were born before 1959.
• You have a physical or mental disability or health condition.
• You need help or supervision with personal care during the day, night, or both.
• You are not living in a council-funded care home.
• You are not already receiving certain overlapping benefits such as PIP or DLA.

Payment Rates for 2025

Rate Type	When You Qualify	Approx. Weekly Amount	Estimated Annual Total
Lower rate	Help during day or night	~£73.90/week	~£3,843/year
Higher rate	Help during both day and night	~£110.40/week	~£5,740/year

The higher rate offers a significant boost for those with more intensive care needs, averaging £434 every four weeks or around £5,600 annually.

Why This Payment Matters

• Major financial help for older people with care needs.
• Can be used to cover the cost of carers, home adaptations, transport, and daily living expenses.
• Claiming Attendance Allowance can also unlock access to other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction.
• Many eligible pensioners do not claim, missing out on thousands of pounds a year.

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

You can apply in three ways:

1. Online Application
   • Complete the new online claim form for faster processing.
   • Limited online applications are accepted each week, so applying early is advised.
2. By Post
   • Download the claim form from the government website, print it, fill it in, and post it.
   • Alternatively, request a paper form by phone.
   • Post to: Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance (no stamp needed).
3. By Phone
   • Call the Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122
   • Textphone: 0800 731 0317
   • Relay UK: 18001 0800 731 0122
   • British Sign Language (BSL) users can use the video relay service.

Documents & Information You’ll Need

Before you apply, prepare:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Full address and contact details.
• A detailed description of your health condition or disability.
• Your doctor or GP’s contact information.
• Details of any hospital or care home stays.
• If applying for someone else, or using Power of Attorney, you must apply by post.

When Payments Start

Application Method	When Payment Starts
Online	From the date you submit the form
By Post	From the date DWP receives your form
By Phone	From the date you request the form (if returned within 6 weeks)

If Your Claim Is Rejected

• Request a Mandatory Reconsideration: Ask DWP to review your application.
• File a Complaint: If you believe the process was handled unfairly, you can make a formal complaint.

The DWP’s confirmation of up to £5,600 a year for pensioners born before 1959 is a valuable opportunity for those needing help with personal care.

This tax-free, non-means-tested benefit could make a significant difference to your quality of life.

With the application process now simpler—especially with the online form—there’s no better time to apply and ensure you receive the support you deserve.

FAQs