The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a warning to State Pension claimants to collect £1,319 per month. Over 1.5 million older people receiving Attendance Allowance are expected to receive a big income rise in the months to come as part of an increase.
DWP Raises State Pension and Attendance Allowance Rates for 2024/25
Attendance Allowance will be increased to either £72.65 or £108.55 per week during the fiscal year 2024/25, based on their level of need, and the full New State Pension has now been raised to £221.20 per week (£884.80 every four-week pay period), whereas the Basic State Pension is increased to £169.50 (£678 every four-week pay period).
The increase implies that someone claiming the full New State Pension and the higher rate of Attendance Allowance is going to get paid £1,319 every four weeks.
Similarly, starting in April, those getting the maximum Basic State Pension will receive £169.50 per week. When combined with the higher amount of Attendance Allowance, this equals £1,112 every four weeks.
Attendance Allowance claimants will earn £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week for the fiscal year 2024/25, representing a 6.7% yearly increase.
This corresponds to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period. The full New State Pension weekly rate for 2024/25 is now £221.20 (up from £203.85), and the four-week payment period is currently £884.80 (up from £815.40), the DWP has confirmed before the April increase.
The full Basic State Pension for 2024/25 is now £169.50 per week (up from £156.20), with a four-week pay period of £678 (up from £624.80), according to the DWP.
The rates were revised at the beginning of the month of April to reflect the new tax year.
Who is Eligible to Claim?
If you have a disability or a long-term illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or night, despite the fact that you are not currently receiving it, you might consider applying for Attendance Allowance.
This may involve requiring assistance with personal care duties such as dressing, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, showering or bathing, and using the restroom. It may also be appropriate if you require assistance to keep safe.
You may also consider applying if you have difficulty with personal duties, such as those that take a long time, cause pain, or require physical support, such as a chair to lean on.
But what if you happen to have savings or other sources of income? Can you still submit a claim?
Yes, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, which means there is no limit regardless of your other income or savings. It is tax-free, and you are exempt from the Benefit Cap, so no money will be removed from your other benefits.
Will the Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?
No, it will not affect your State Pension, and you can even claim it while still employed and making money.
How does the Attendance Allowance impact other benefits?
If you qualify for Attendance Allowance, your other benefits may be increased, including:
- Additional Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit Reduction
- Council Tax Reduction