Pensioners eligible for extra £370 a month via Attendance Allowance

Inflation in the UK has returned to a 40-year high of 10.1 percent and average energy bills have risen by 27 percent as of last month. One of the groups most vulnerable to this economic downturn is those of state pension age. For pensioners who have a long-term health condition or illness, Attendance Allowance could provide a sizable monthly boost.Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), pensioners can claim this benefit if they ‘have a physical disability, a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both’.Those of state pension age must have required help for at least six months to be eligible for Attendance Allowance.It should be noted that how much money someone gets from Attendance Allowance is dependent on the ‘severity’ of their condition, according to the DWP.Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates, one higher and the other lower, which are awarded depending on how the DWP sees fit.READ MORE: 70 health conditions qualify for extra £156 a week in PIP from DWP Pensioners eligible for extra £370 a month amid cost of living crisis – how to claim (Image: GETTY)State pensioners will be able to get £92.40 a week if they are eligible for the higher amount or £61.85 if they are entitled to the lower rate.Someone who is suffering from a severe health condition or illness would get £369.60 from Attendance Allowance.If someone’s health condition or illness changes dramatically, Attendance Allowance recipients have a responsibility to inform the DWP as this could affect how much they get.Furthermore, pensioners could also be eligible for additional support through benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.DON’T MISSState pension sum may be less if you were ‘contracted out’ – check now [WARNING]What the falling pound will mean for YOUR finances [ALERT]Single mum on Universal Credit shares her top tips for saving money [INSIGHT]450,000 people may be placed on energy prepayment meters [ALERT]On its website, older person’s charity Independent Age shared further guidance for those looking to apply for the additional state pension benefit.The organisation stated: ‘Your income and savings aren’t considered when deciding if you qualify for Attendance Allowance, so anyone can claim it regardless of their financial situation.’You don’t have to spend your Attendance Allowance on care – it’s up to you how you spend the money.’Attendance Allowance will not reduce other benefits you receive, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.READ MORE: Paramedic shares how she dishes up tasty meals costing 68p per portion How much is the state pension? (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK)’Millions of people already receive this support and I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for extra financial help to check online.’Outside of DWP benefits, the state pension is likely to rise significantly if the triple lock is implemented this coming year.If the Government keeps its commitment, payments will rise by 10.1 percent however it has yet to be confirmed if benefits such as Attendance Allowance will receive a similar hike.The new Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will likely confirm how much Attendance Allowance claimants will get next year in his upcoming fiscal statement on November 17, 2022.