DWP issues £1,000 warning to state pensioners over the age of 67

The Department for Work and Pensions is urging state pensioners not to pay for help with claims

The Department for Work and Pensions is strongly advising state pensioners against paying for assistance with Home Responsibility Protection (HRP) or Attendance Allowance applications. The DWP has cautioned that certain firms "are taking advantage" of elderly claimants.

Claims Management Companies (CMCs) have been approaching pensioners and their relatives, proposing to process applications for benefits such as Attendance Allowance or overlooked Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP) in exchange for payment, according to the DWP.

Some organisations are now demanding in excess of £1,000 to complete forms that could be submitted free of charge with appropriate guidance, the DWP has confirmed, reports Birmingham Live.

The Labour Party government website cautions: "These companies are not doing anything illegal, but the impact on individuals can be significant. Fees can run into hundreds or even over a thousand pounds, taken from money people are entitled to receive for free. Some people don't realise they've entered into an agreement until a company takes a cut of their payment."

Around 1.8 million individuals across Great Britain currently receive Attendance Allowance, while a further estimated 1.1 million eligible older people are not claiming the benefit they're entitled to, figures from the government website reveal. The DWP emphasises that if you, or anyone you're acquainted with, believes they may qualify for Attendance Allowance or have unclaimed Home Responsibilities Protection, you should absolutely not pay a firm to submit a claim on your behalf.

Complimentary and reliable support is accessible through Citizens Advice and Independent Age. Submitting a claim directly is always completely free of charge. The DWP adds: "Others are unaware they had a choice at all. The message we want to get across is straightforward: if you're eligible for these benefits, claiming them should never cost you anything. Free, trusted help is available from organisations including Citizens Advice and Independent Age."

Attendance Allowance is available to those who have reached State Pension age, currently 66 and rising to 67, and are living with a physical disability (including sensory impairments such as blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition.

The disability or health condition must be sufficiently severe to require assistance with personal care or supervision, for the safety of either yourself or others. Furthermore, you must have required that level of support for a minimum of 6 months.