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State pensioners with a health condition or disability that means they require supervision can get up to £5,740 per year from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they meet a six-month rule.

Attendance Allowance is a benefit available to people of State Pension age who require a certain level of care to help with extra living costs. It is paid at two different rates and the amount you can get depends on the level of care that you need. The lower rate is now worth £73.90 per week (or £3,842.80 per year), thanks to a 1.7% uprating in April, and is given to those who reequire frequent help or constant supervision during the day or at night. The higher rate is worth £100.40 per week (or £5,740.80 per year) and is awared to people who need help or supervision throughout the day and night, or if a medical professional has said you're nearing the end of life.

You can only get the benefit if you have reached State Pension age and you meet three other criteria, including a strict six-month rule.

The DWP says you are eligible for Attendance Allowance if you've reached State Pension age AND all of the following apply:

• you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
• your disability or health condition is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else's safety
• you have needed that help for at least six months

Explaining the six-month rule, Citizen's Advice says: "You must have had care or supervision needs because of your disability or illness for at least six months before you can get Attendance Allowance.

"You don't need to have had a diagnosis for your condition to apply for Attendance Allowance. For example, you might still be having tests or appointments to find out what's wrong with you.

"As long as you've needed help or supervision, or you've had difficulties, for six months because of your condition you can claim Attendance Allowance. You can save time with your claim by applying before the end of the six months but you won't get any money until then."

You can apply for Attendance Allowance online via GOV.UK or by sending a claim form by post to Freepost, DWP Attendance Allowance. You can contact the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form.

After you've applied you'll get a tax or letter from the DWP within three weeks that explains when you can expect a decision. Once this is made you'll get another letter explaining the outcome and if you're awarded the benefit you'll be told when to expect your first payment.