State pensioners given extra £218.40 boost on top of state pension payments

State pensioners can get extra money from the Department of Work and Pensions if they meet one of four or more conditions, currently worth £114.60 per week, or nearly £6,000 a year, which was increased by another £218 a year from April.

The DWP has increased its £110.40 per week payments for Attendance Allowance to £114.60 for the higher rate, an increase of £218.40 per year, which began in April. The benefit is claimable by anyone of state pension age who needs help with personal care due to an illness or disability. There are two different weekly rates, and the amount you get depends on how much help you need day-to-day.

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The lower rate pays £76.70 per week, and is for those who need help during the day OR at night. The higher rate pays £114.60 per week, and is for those who need help during the day AND night, or who are terminally ill.

According to Age UK, the money is given to you regardless of your income or savings. It says: "The money you receive isn't taxable or means-tested – so your savings or income won't affect your claim. Claiming also won't affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction."

To claim the money, you need to be of state pension age and have 'any type' of disability or physical or mental illness.

Age UK adds: "You have any type of disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia. You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night.

"You've needed help for at least six months. This doesn't apply if you're terminally ill, in which case you can make a claim straight away."

In a previous series of The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV1, Martin Lewis explained that, to be eligible, there is a legal precedent that defines the kind of help likely to warrant claiming the benefit and result in you being paid the money.

He added: “What defines help? Well the first one is help with daily living, and a famous old judge… in 1981 defined this and it still fits for today.

“This is help with bodily functions including breathing, hearing, seeing, eating, drinking, walking, sitting, sleeping, getting in or out of bed, dressing, undressing, eliminating waste products and the like. All of which an ordinary person who is not suffering from any disabilities does for himself.

“That is the definition of help which is needed.

“You can see the broad range of people who this would impact.”

Martin then listed four conditions which would be likely to qualify, adding: “This is common for people with Parkinson’s, or physical disabilities, dementia or terminal illness and more.

“You can apply on someone else’s behalf as long as they are capable of understanding or you can sign it for them if you have Power of Attorney.”