Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs for pensioners who have a disability severe enough that they need someone to help look after them. Depending on the level of support someone needs, they could get up to £92 a week.

The higher rate pays £92.40 a week.

This is paid to those who require help or supervision throughout both day and night, or are terminally ill.

If someone also claims other benefits, they could increase them by receiving Attendance Allowance.

They could get additional Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

The disability must be severe enough for them to need help caring for themselves or someone to supervise them, for their own or someone else’s safety.

Claimants must have needed that help for at least six months unless they’re terminally ill.

How to claim

Britons can use the Attendance Allowance claim form to apply by post.

The completed form should be sent to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance. A postcode and stamp are not required.

The Attendance Allowance helpline can be contacted at 0800 731 0122.