Are you claiming the Attendance Allowance? You could be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you:
- are 65 or over (if you’re under 65, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead)
- could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night
- have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia
- have needed help for at least 6 months. (If you’re terminally ill you can make a claim straight away.
attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so your income and savings aren’t taken into account.
You don’t actually have to receive help from a carer, as Attendance Allowance is based on the help you need, not the help you actually get. The allowance is paid at two rates, currently the higher rate is £82.30 a week and the lower rate is £55.10 a week
And you don’t have to spend your Attendance Allowance on care – it’s up to you how you use it. Attendance Allowance can help you to stay independent in your own home. So don’t delay in making a claim if you think you could be eligible.
How to claim
Use form AA1 to apply for Attendance Allowance by post. Visit the website at www.gov.uk/government/publications/attendance-allowance-claim-form
The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it in and where to send it.
You can also get a copy of the form from the Attendance Allowance helpline.
Attendance Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0345 605 6055
Textphone: 0345 604 5312
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
It’s worth a phone call to find out at least!