Pensioners with one health condition could get £441 a month from DWP

People living with a dangerous health condition could be entitled to up to £441 a month from the Government. Pensioners who have a certain heart problem are eligible for Attendance Allowance.

This monthly benefit, which is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to help older people with additional daily living expenses stay in their own home for longer. The DWP provides support for dozens of health conditions through Attendance Allowance

Latest figures from the DWP show there are nearly 1.7 million people over State Pension age receiving regular financial support for a health condition through Attendance Allowance. This includes more than 124,500 people receiving payments to help with heart-related issues, including angina, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia and high blood pressure.

Therefore, if you have a heart-related condition and find it difficult to complete simple tasks like cooking, washing or getting dressed, you could be eligible for Attendance Allowance.

As reported by the Daily Record, the benefit is now worth either £73.90 or £110.40 each week, which equates to £295. 60 or £441.60 a month.

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night. This is the case even if you don’t currently get that help.

For example, you could be eligible if you need help with your personal care such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet, or help to stay safe. You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on.

It is worth noting that Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness. You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:

• A mental health condition
• Learning difficulties
• A sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired

You could receive £73.90 if you need help during the day or at night or £110.40 if you need help during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks , which means you could receive either £295.60 or £411.60 every pay period.

You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer. This could include paying for taxis, helping towards bills, or paying for a cleaner or gardener.

You will need to complete a claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. If you are worried about this you can get advice from your local Citizens Advice.

You can also follow the Citizens Advice online guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.