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Attendance Allowance Guide

By on August 30, 2016 in Uncategorized




1 What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit provided by the UK government to support people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability.

This allowance is intended to help you cover the extra costs that arise from needing care, but there is no requirement to spend the money specifically on care services. It can be used at your discretion, which means you can use it for other things that might make living with a disability easier, like household bills, transportation, or even activities that improve your quality of life.

 

2 Are You Eligible For Attendance Allowance?

You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you meet the following criteria:

  • Age Requirement: You must be over State Pension age. If you became disabled before reaching State Pension age, you might instead qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
  • Disability Criteria: You must have a physical or mental disability, which can include sensory impairments such as blindness or deafness. This disability should affect your ability to perform daily activities such as washing, dressing, or eating.
  • Care Needs: You need to have required help with personal care or supervision for at least six months before you can claim Attendance Allowance. However, if you are terminally ill, this waiting period does not apply, and you can apply immediately.
  • Living Status: You must be living in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years. There are some exceptions for those who live abroad in certain countries.




3 How Much Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care you need:

  • Lower rate: £72.65 per week. This rate is for those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
  • Higher rate: £108.55 per week. This rate is for those who need help or supervision throughout both day and night or are terminally ill.

This allowance is paid directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account every four weeks, and you can use it as you see fit. It’s important to note that this benefit is not means-tested, meaning it is not affected by your income or savings.

 

4 How To Claim Attendance Allowance

The process claiming Attendance Allowance involves several steps:

  • Obtain a Claim Form: The application form (AA1) can be obtained by contacting the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122. Alternatively, you can download the form from the GOV.UK website.
  • Filling Out the Form: The form is detailed and asks a range of questions about how your disability affects your day-to-day life. It’s important to be thorough and honest, providing detailed information about your care needs, including examples of difficulties you face. You can ask a friend, family member, or carer to help you fill out the form if needed. Some charities and local advice organizations also offer assistance with completing benefit forms.
  • Submit the Form: Once completed, the form should be sent to the address provided in the application pack. You do not need a medical assessment for Attendance Allowance, but the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may contact your GP or other healthcare professionals involved in your care to verify the information you have provided.




5 After You Apply For Attendance Allowance: What To Expect

Once you’ve submitted your claim, the DWP will process your application. The time it takes to receive a decision can vary, but it typically takes about 6-8 weeks. The DWP may contact you or your doctor for further information during this period. You will then receive a decision letter detailing whether you have been awarded Attendance Allowance and, if so, at which rate.

If your application is successful, your payments can be backdated to the date you applied. This means you could receive a lump sum covering the period from your application date to when the decision was made.

 

6 What To Do If You Disagree With The Decision

If you are not satisfied with the decision made on your Attendance Allowance claim, you have the right to challenge it. The first step is to request a mandatory reconsideration, which means asking the DWP to look at the decision again. You should do this within one month of receiving the decision letter. Provide any additional information or evidence that supports your case.

If after the mandatory reconsideration you are still unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. The tribunal is separate from the DWP and will make an impartial decision based on the evidence.

 

6 Additional Benefits And Support

Receiving Attendance Allowance can also help you qualify for other benefits or increase the amount you receive. For example, it can lead to higher payments of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. It might also help you qualify for a Carer’s Allowance if someone looks after you for at least 35 hours a week.

This guide provides a general overview of Attendance Allowance, but for personalised advice or if you need further assistance, consider reaching out to the DWP or a local advice service.