Benefit now claimable online but only on Mondays

People can now claim attendance allowance online for the first time ever.

Those who get the state pension and have a disability can apply for attendance allowance to help with care costs. While 1.6 million people currently claim the benefit, it could previously only be claimed by post.

Now, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has set up a system allowing people to claim the benefit online. But as the new service accepts a limited number of applications each week, it only works on Mondays.

Who’s eligible?

If you get state pension and have a physical or mental disability which is severe enough that someone needs to help look after you, you can apply for attendance allowance. You don’t need to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

The most common conditions claimants of the benefit have include: arthritis, dementia, heart disease, respiratory illness, muscle and bone conditions, cerebrovascular disease, back pain, visual disorders, Parkinson’s and neurological conditions.

Depending on the level of care you need, you could get £72.65 or £108.55 a week to help with personal support.

You can find the full list of eligibility rules here.

How to claim online

To apply online, access the online form on the government website.

For the time being, the online application system for attendance allowance only works on Mondays. And you can only apply on a desktop computer or laptop, so you won’t be able to use a smartphone or tablet.

You’ll have to complete the form in one sitting, so make sure you’ve got all your information to hand when you log in. There’s no way to save the application and continue later.

As the service can’t currently process extra evidence to support your claim, you’ll be contacted by phone for more information if necessary.

If you’d rather apply by post, you can still do so.