The Department of Work and Pensions () has issued new guidance for people seeking to claim a benefit worth up to £5,616 a year.

Attendance Allowance is targeted at people over the state pension age of 66 who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability.

Last year, the DWP launched a new online application system for the benefit, which is currently claimed by more than 1.6 million state pensioners, to speed up the process.

But for those considering an application this spring, updated guidance on now states that the online service will accept only a "limited number of applications each week."

Currently, the online service is not available to those applying on behalf of someone else, such as through power of attorney or as an appointee. Those unable to apply online or who miss the weekly window can still submit their applications by post.

For postal applications, people need to request a form from the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. Then, according to the DWP's , claimants must only write the Freepost address on the envelope, with no need for a postcode or stamp.

Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: The lower rate and the higher rate. The amount eligible claimants receive is calculated based on how much help is needed, not any current help the person does or doesn't get.

The 2024/25 rates are:

• Lower rate: £72.65 per week
• Higher rate: £108.55 per week.

This means the highest payment is worth around £470 a month and a much more significant £5,644 a year.

These rates will increase by 1.7% in April to reflect the annual benefit payment uplift. When this comes into effect, the lower and higher rates will be:

• Lower rate: £73.90 per week
• Higher rate: £110.40 per week.

Those requiring assistance during the day or night may qualify for the lower rate, while those needing help both day and night or facing a terminal illness may be eligible for the higher rate.

A wide range of health conditions could qualify a person for the benefit, but here are the main conditions claimed for:

• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Conditions
• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
• Cerebrovascular Disease
• Back Pain
• Visual Disorders and Diseases
• Parkinson's
• Neurological Conditions.

People must have needed for the past six months unless they have less than 12 months to live.

However, it should be noted that people won't be able to claim Attendance Allowance if they already receive , Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

People can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. Claimants will need:

• Their National Insurance number
• Address and contact details
• Details of the health condition or disability that they need extra help for
• Details of their GP surgery or medical centre
• Details of their care home, hospital or hospice if they're currently staying in one.

Claimants can apply or by post by contacting the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.