Attendance Allowance

What is Attendance Allowance 

As individuals age, there may come a time when they require additional support and assistance with their daily activities and personal care.

The Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit that aims to assist older individuals with personal care needs due to a physical or mental disability. The allowance is not means-tested, meaning it is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria, regardless of their income or savings.

The primary purpose of the Attendance Allowance is to help older people maintain their independence and live comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. It recognises that the costs associated with disability or illness can place a significant financial burden on individuals and their families. By providing financial support, the allowance enables recipients to access the necessary care and support services to meet their specific needs.

To be eligible for the Attendance Allowance, an individual must be of state pension age or older and have a physical or mental disability that requires frequent care or supervision. The allowance is not dependent on the type of disability but instead on the level of care needed. The applicant should be able to demonstrate that they require help with personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or getting around.

The amount of Attendance Allowance provided is determined by the level of care needed, with two different rates available: the lower rate and the higher rate. The lower rate is for those who need help during the day or at night, while the higher rate is for individuals who require assistance both during the day and at night or are terminally ill.

Who can apply for an Attendance Allowance?

The Attendance Allowance is specifically designed for individuals of state pension age or over who require assistance with their personal care due to a disability or severe illness. The eligibility criteria for applying for Attendance Allowance are as follows:

Age: The applicant must be of state pension age or older. State pension age varies depending on the individual’s date of birth and may change over time. It is essential to check the current state pension age guidelines to determine eligibility based on age.

Residence: The applicant must reside in the United Kingdom when applying for the Attendance Allowance.

Disability or Illness: The individual must have a physical or mental disability or illness that requires frequent care or supervision. There is no specific list of qualifying disabilities, as the allowance is based on the level of care needed rather than the type of disability. It can include conditions such as mobility issues, sensory impairments, cognitive impairments, and mental health conditions.

Personal Care Needs: The applicant must require help with personal tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or getting around. The level of care required will determine the rate of Attendance Allowance awarded.

Timeframe: There is no time limit on how long an individual needs care to be eligible for Attendance Allowance. It is based on the current care needs and their impact on daily life.

It is important to note that Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning it is available to individuals regardless of their income or savings. Furthermore, individuals already receiving benefits such as Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment may not be eligible for Attendance Allowance.

Applying for Attendance Allowance requires completing an application form provided by the DWP. The application process involves providing detailed information about the individual’s disability, care needs, and medical evidence supporting the application.

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you can follow these steps:

Obtain an application form: You can request an Attendance Allowance application form by contacting the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 169 0154 or online.

Fill out the application form: Complete the application form with accurate and detailed information about your details, contact information, current living situation, disability or illness, and the care and support you require. Ensure that you provide specific examples and details about your care needs and the impact they have on your daily life.

Gather supporting documents: Collect any supporting documents that can validate your application. This may include medical reports, letters from healthcare professionals, or other relevant documents that provide evidence of your disability, illness, and care needs. Include copies of these documents with your application.

Seek assistance if needed: If you require help completing the application form or gathering the necessary supporting documents, you can contact welfare rights advisors or local support organisations. They can provide guidance and support throughout the application process.

Please submit your application: Once you have completed the application form and gathered the supporting documents, send them to the address provided on the application form or as directed by the Attendance Allowance helpline. Make sure to keep copies of the completed form and supporting documents for your records.

Follow up and provide additional information if requested: After submitting your application, the DWP may contact you for further information or to attend a medical assessment if necessary. It is essential to respond promptly and provide any additional details requested to ensure the smooth processing of your application.

When filling in the form for Attendance Allowance, it is essential to provide accurate and detailed information about your circumstances, disability or illness, and care needs. Here are some general guidelines to help you complete the form:

Personal Information:

Provide your full name, address, contact details, and National Insurance number.

Include information about changes in your circumstances that may affect your application, such as recent hospitalisations or changes in your condition.

Care Needs:

Describe your disability or illness and how it affects your daily life. Be specific about the difficulties you face and the care you require.

Provide details about any physical or mental tasks you need assistance with, such as bathing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, or moving around.

Explain any challenges you face when managing medication, preparing meals, or maintaining personal hygiene.

Mention any safety concerns or risks associated with your disability or illness.

Medical Evidence:

Include any relevant medical reports, letters, or documents that support your application. These could be from your doctors, specialists, or healthcare professionals who are familiar with your condition.

Attach copies of any assessments or reports from previous applications for disability benefits if you have them.

Additional Information:

Explain how your disability or illness affects your socialising ability, participating in hobbies or activities, or carrying out domestic tasks.

Describe any specific aids, equipment, or adaptations you require to manage your care needs.

If you have a carer or family member who assists you, provide their details and describe their role in supporting your care.

Declaration and Consent:

Sign and date the declaration section of the form to confirm that the information you have provided is accurate and complete.

If you have difficulties filling in the form yourself, you can appoint someone to help you, and they should sign and date the relevant section.

Providing as much detailed and specific information as possible is crucial to help the DWP understand your care needs and make an accurate assessment. If you are uncertain about any sections of the form, you can seek assistance from welfare rights advisors, support organisations, or the Attendance Allowance helpline.

The DWP provide a guide on filling in the form.

Await a decision: The DWP will review your application and supporting documents. They will assess your eligibility for Attendance Allowance based on your care needs and the impact of your disability or illness on your daily life. You will receive a decision letter informing you of whether your application has been approved.

If your application is successful, the letter will detail the rate of Attendance Allowance awarded and when the payments will start. If your application is declined, the letter will explain the reasons for the decision, and you may have the option to request a reconsideration or appeal the decision if you believe it to be incorrect.

Remember to keep a record of all correspondence and documents related to your Attendance Allowance application for future reference.