Millions of people suffering from back pain are unaware of the financial support they can claim to help them with their additional needs.
You must be of state pension age to be eligible for Attendance Allowance (Image: Getty)
Back pain is one of the biggest causes of disability in the UK, with millions of people suffering from the condition every day. It is reported that more than 80% of people in the UK experience back pain at some point. However, pensioners whose day-to-day activities are affected by the pain are unaware that they could receive financial support.
Older Brits who suffer from severe back pain could receive additional financial support from the Government of up to £441.60 a month through Attendance Allowance. The benefit is offered to those of state pension age (currently 66) and older who have a physical disability, mental disability, or a health condition that is “severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you”.
Millions of people suffering from back pain are unaware of the financial support they can claim (Image: Getty)
The benefit has two different rates, with the amount received depending on the level of care the beneficiary requires. The lower rate is £73.90, while the higher rate is £110.40. Both are paid on a weekly basis to help with any extra costs.
The UK Government website also states that those who receive the allowance could also be entitled to extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. As the benefit is not means-tested, your earnings or savings will not affect the amount you receive.
Those who require frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night, will receive the lower rate, whilst those who need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has declared that you’re nearing the end of life, will receive the higher rate of £110.40, which amounts to £441.60 a month.
There are multiple ways to claim Attendance Allowance – you can do it online via GOV.uk or by post.
You will need your National Insurance number, address and contact details, details of disability or health condition that you require support for, details of your GP surgery or medical centre, and details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you are staying in one.
Those who are claiming to be nearing the end of life will need an SR1 form from a medical professional and will not be required to attend a face-to-face assessment.
Those living in Scotland will need to apply for the allowance’s corresponding benefit – the Pension Age Disability Payment, and can do this by post or contacting the helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form.
Once you apply, you should receive information regarding when you should expect a decision via text or letter within three weeks. If you are awarded the allowance, payments are made into your bank, building society, or credit union account.
