The 6-month rule that allows state pensioners to get up to £5,740 a year | Personal Finance | Finance

State pensioners who have a health condition or disability that means they require supervision could get up to £5,740 per year from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they meet a six-month rule. Attendance Allowance is a benefit issued by the DWP to people of State Pension age who require a certain level of care to help with extra living costs.

The benefit is paid at two different rates and the amount you can get is dependent on how much care you need. The DWP uprated Attendance Allowance by 1.7% from April 7, which means claimants can now get £73.90 per week on the lower rate (£3,842.80 per year), or £110.40 per week on the higher rate (£5,740.80 per year). The lower rate is given to those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day or at night, while the higher rate is given to those who need help or supervision throughout the day and night, or if a medical professional has said you’re nearing the end of life.

To be eligible for the benefit, you must have reached State Pension age AND all of the following apply:

• you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
• your disability or health condition is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
• you have needed that help for at least six months

Explaining the six-month rule, Citizen’s Advice says: “You must have had care or supervision needs because of your disability or illness for at least six months before you can get Attendance Allowance.

“You don’t need to have had a diagnosis for your condition to apply for Attendance Allowance. For example, you might still be having tests or appointments to find out what’s wrong with you.

“As long as you’ve needed help or supervision, or you’ve had difficulties, for six months because of your condition you can claim Attendance Allowance. You can save time with your claim by applying before the end of the six months but you won’t get any money until then.”

You can apply for Attendance Allowance online via GOV.UK or by sending a claim form by post to Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance. You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form.

After you’ve applied you’ll get a tax or letter from the DWP within three weeks that explains when you can expect a decision. Once this is made you’ll get another letter explaining the outcome and if you’re awarded the benefit you’ll be told when to expect your first payment.