Attendance Allowance – How To Claim
4 How To Claim Attendance Allowance
Use form AA1 to apply for Attendance Allowance by post. The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it in and where to send it here.
You can also get a copy of the form from the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317).
Attendance Allowance can be backdated to the date of your claim. This is usually the date your form is received or the date you call the enquiry line (if you return the claim pack within 6 weeks).
You might need an assessment to complete your application.
“ Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs. ”
5 How To Complete The Attendance Allowance Application Form
The form is detailed and thorough so take your time to complete the form, and remember that you don’t have to complete it all in one go. Attendance Allowance is awarded based on your needs, not just on your medical condition. Many applications are turned down because people don’t mention or aren’t clear about how their illness or disability affects their lives.
Don’t underestimate your needs when filling in the form. Think about all the things you can’t do, or have trouble with, because of your condition. Don’t leave things out, even if you feel you can manage well enough.
- Describe any accidents or falls you’ve had.
- Explain the effects of all your disabilities and health conditions, and how they interact with each other.
- List things that you struggle to do unaided, even if you’ve developed ways to cope. If an activity takes you much longer than it would somebody without a disability, or if it’s difficult to do safely, this can be taken into account. Say if you need reminding or encouraging to do things, as this also counts as help.
- Focus on how frequently you need help. To qualify for the lower rate of Attendance Allowance, you have to show you need help ‘frequently’ during the day or at night. For example, if you need help looking after your appearance, this could add up to six or seven times a day, if you include help to check your clothes are clean after a meal, help to find a coat and matching shoes, and so on.
- Give plenty of information in your own words about your personal circumstances. Don’t worry if you need to repeat yourself.
Next – After Sending In Your Application >
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
