Understand
£40.7m of unclaimed Attendance Allowance in Gloucestershire, says Age UK
Overview
Research from the charity Age UK indicates that an estimated £40.7m in Attendance Allowance is going unclaimed in Gloucestershire, with around 8,000 eligible people missing out. Pensioners and charity representatives have highlighted a lack of awareness and a complicated application process as major barriers, while the Department for Work and Pensions has challenged the figures.
Key points
- Age UK research estimates that £40.7m in Attendance Allowance goes unclaimed annually in Gloucestershire.
- The charity reports that up to 8,000 eligible people in the region are not claiming the benefit.
- Attendance Allowance provides either £76.70 or £114.60 per week to help pensioners with extra costs for disabilities or health conditions.
- Age UK noted that the long, 32-page application form often deters older people from applying.
- A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson stated that the department does not recognise the figures provided by Age UK.