Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info As concern rises about welfare reform around the most common disability benefit, PIP, many people might not realise they have become eligible for some lesser-known support. Attendance Allowance offers between £73.90 and £110.40 per week. It’s not means-tested but the name can be somewhat misleading. You don’t actually need to have an attendant or carer currently with you or planning to get support in the future to be eligible. The money doesn’t have to be spent on carer or support fees. Attendant Allowance can also be used to help you maintain your independence and avoid using attendants or carers. For example, getting groceries delivered or home accessibility upgrades. Many people may be missing out on this benefit not realising they’re eligible without having a carer and some may be completely unaware that it exists. Exemplified by one Durham woman, 88-year-old Lily, who was advised to apply for the benefit through Age UK. She said: “Since Age UK Durham helped me claim Attendance Allowance I don’t have to worry. All these years I could have been having help, but I didn’t know.” To be eligible for the benefit, you need to be over state pension age and while you don’t need a carer or attendant, you need to prove that you have a medical condition that would require that type of support and that you have needed that help for at least six months. For example, you have hearing impairments that would require the help of a translator if you did not have hearing aids. You must also usually be in Great Britain when you claim, habitually resident of the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Island and not be subject to immigration control. You also can’t get DLA, PIP or ADP alongside Attendance Allowance, Age UK recommends contacting them if you hit the state pension age and are advised to change benefits. Most people don’t require an assessment when making their claim but this may be called for if the DWP decides it’s unclear how your disability affects your life. In this assessment a medical professional will need to examine you. The two different weekly rates depend on how severe your disability is and your care needs. The lower rate is for those that may need help or supervision during the day or night while the higher rate is for people who need help or supervision throughout both day or night. Claiming Attendance Allowance could also make you eligible for additional or higher rates of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. If a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life, you could also be eligible for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.