New trial for Attendance Allowance claims being offered to 60 people each week
Introduction
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently introduced a new ‘private beta trial’ for Attendance Allowance claimants. The trial is currently being offered to only 60 people each week who start a new claim for the State Pension age disability benefit through certain channels. While the details of the trial are vague, it is expected to improve the claims process for older people making a claim for the benefit.
The Details of the Trial
The trial is currently being offered to 60 new claimants per week through certain channels. Invites are being sent to anyone who meets the current scope of the private beta until a daily limit of five per day at Age UK, five per day for the Great Britain helpline, and two per day for the Northern Ireland helpline is reached. People applying for special rules, applying in an official capacity, needing the form in Welsh language, or needing to report a change of circumstances are not included in the private beta. The DWP plans to scale the number of self-serving claimants through telephony in the future and also extend the sources they recruit from, including visiting officers and other third-party organizations.
The Benefit of Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit that supports more than 1.4 million people across Great Britain, including 125,279 living in Scotland. It is designed to help people of State Pension age with daily living expenses and can also help them stay independent in their own home for longer. The benefit is worth either £68.10 or £101.75 each week. Payments are usually made every four weeks, which could mean regular payments of either £272.40 or £407.
Related Facts
New claimants for Attendance Allowance could also qualify for the £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment due to be made this summer by the UK Government to help households with the increased cost of living. No qualifying period has been announced yet, so the sooner a new claim is submitted, the greater the likelihood that it will meet the eligibility requirements.
Key Takeaway
The new ‘private beta trial’ for Attendance Allowance claimants is likely to make the claims process more efficient and accessible. With only 60 spots available each week, those who wish to make a claim should act promptly to secure their spot.
Conclusion
The new Attendance Allowance claims trial is expected to benefit those applying for the benefit. The trial is currently available to only 60 new claimants per week through certain channels, and invites will be sent until a daily limit is reached. The trial is aimed at improving the claims process for older people making a claim for the benefit.
