7,090 Newcastle pensioners with health issues are receiving Attendance Allowance, but 5,000 more could be ”missing out” on this benefit Nationally, 1.1mn eligible older people are not claiming Attendance Allowance according to recent research by the think tank Policy Into Practice. In it is estimated that over 5,000 pensioners could be ”missing out” on this non-means-tested benefit aimed at those aged over 66.
What is Attendance Allowance? (AA)
AA is a benefit that helps older people with disabilities, illnesses or long-term health conditions who need support with personal care or supervision.
The weekly payment of £72.65 helps those pensioners to stay independent at home, or with other type of assistance.
Coun Stephen Lambert raises awareness about AA
Coun Stephen Lambert, who represents the Kenton Ward, has helped a number of older residents with AA application forms and believes hundreds more in his own ward could be ”missing out” with an estimated 5,000 across the city not claiming it. AA is one of the most ”under-claimed ” benefits in England with 1.1 million missing out on up to £5.2 billion a year according to MoneySavingExpert.
He said:
”AA is a non-means tested benefit and many pensioners rightly claim it if they have long-term health related conditions. But many don’t in spite of the cost of living crisis. Eligible older people can spend the money however they like such as paying fuel bills, getting meals delivered, covering taxi costs and equipment in the home to enable them to stay independent.”
Coun Lambert is urging older people to claim AA. They can get help by contacting Age UK, The Search Project, Citizens Advice Newcastle or the council’s welfare rights service.
