Statistics have shown that many older people in Northumberland are not claiming benefits to which they are entitled due to lack of information. Health experts in the region have now started a campaign to make pensioners aware of the Attendance Allowance (AA) benefit, which could make a real difference to their quality of life. Available to the over 65s, AA is a non means-tested benefit which helps older people cope with the increased costs incurred by a disability, such as buying special equipment or paying for care at home. Keith Thompson of Northumberland Care Trust comments: ‘…many people are unaware of its (AA’s) existence, and when people have heard about it they often don’t think they can claim…Pensioner poverty is a real issue which must be tackled urgently, and benefits such as Attendance Allowance can make a huge difference to the living standards of pensioners everywhere, many of whom are struggling with the soaring costs of basics such as food and fuel.’
AA is paid at two rates depending on the recipient’s level of disability: £47 or £70 per week. Entitlement is based solely on disability criteria and no other benefits are affected by claiming it; in fact, a recipient may become eligible for additional benefits as a result of claiming AA. To find out more, read Cheselden’s Factsheet 8 ‘State Benefits’ or visit the Northumbria Chronicle’s website.
posted by Cheselden Continuing Care at
17:33
