Life is expensive. At this time of year we will soon be contemplating heating our houses again for several months. So it’s good to ensure that you are claiming everything you are entitled too. Attendance Allowance is a great place to start.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested weekly benefit for individuals over State Pension age who need some support. This might be due to a physical or mental impairment or a disability. Currently the lower rate is £76.70 per week and the higher rate is £114.60 per week. Because it is not based on your income or savings, your financial situation will not impact your eligibility.
How to apply successfully for Attendance Allowance
- You must be of State Pension age and have a health condition or disability severe enough that you require help with personal care or supervision to stay safe.
- You must have needed this help for at least six months before applying (although if a doctor has diagnosed a life-limiting condition with 12 months or less to live, you skip the six-month wait and automatically qualify for the higher rate).
- No carer is needed – eligibility is entirely based on the help you need, not the help you are actually receiving. If you live completely alone, you can still successfully claim. It might be that your mobility means you can no longer clean your own home, so the allowance will help you to pay for help with that in the future. You might need support with meal preparation going forward if standing for long periods has become difficult. If you have memory problems you might need help with prompting medication.
It’s good to remember that if you in receipt of Attendance Allowance it’s very helpful evidence when applying or reapplying for a blue badge.
If you live in Brighton & Hove and would like free professional support with your Attendence Allowance application please contact the Impact Initiatives advice desk.
Other benefits
Securing Attendance Allowance does not reduce other benefits. Instead, it can unlock top-ups for other support like Pension Credit or Council Tax discounts. If you are over the State Pension age, you may also qualify for several other benefits such as:
- Pension Credit – you can check your eligibility on the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator.
- Carer’s Allowance – if a friend or family member spends at least 35 hours a week caring for you, and you receive Attendance Allowance, they may be entitled to claim £86.45 per week.
- Council Tax Reduction – your local council can substantially discount or completely eliminate your council tax bill if you receive Pension Credit or have a severe mental impairment, such as dementia.
- Housing Benefit – if you rent your home and are on a low income, you can claim help toward your rent payments from your local authority.
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Winter Fuel Payment – an annual lump-sum payment to help with heating costs during the winter months, typically restricted to those who receive Pension Credit or other specific means-tested benefits.
Disabled Facilities Grant
Have you heard of the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG)? It’s a ring-fenced local council grant to help disabled adults, older people with age-related needs, and people with cognitive conditions (like dementia) modify their homes so they can continue living independently and safely.
Unlike general welfare benefits, this money does not go into your bank account for everyday spending. It is paid directly to cover the costs of necessary, major home modifications. Getting a DFG will not affect any other benefits you receive. The maximum amount of money available for a single application in England is £30,000.The first £6,000 of your savings are completely ignored when calculating the grant amount.
What Can Disabled Facilities Grants Be Used For?
The grant covers changes that your council deems “necessary and appropriate” to meet your needs. And “reasonable and practicable” based on the age and condition of your property. This might include:
- Access into and around the home: Installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or smoothing out steps.
- Bathroom modifications: Replacing a standard bath with a walk-in wet room or level-access shower.
- Vertical mobility: Installing a stairlift or a home lift.
- Major structural extensions: Building a downstairs bedroom or bathroom if you can no longer safely manage the stairs.
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Safety and controls: Adapting heating, power, or lighting controls so they are easier to reach and use.
You can apply if you own your home or rent it (either privately or from a housing association/council). You must intend to live in the property as your main home for at least 5 years after the work is finished.
How to Apply for Disabled Facilities Grants
- Do a Self-Assessment: You can use the free Adapt My Home self-assessment tool (run by Foundations, the national body for Home Improvement Agencies) to see if a grant is a realistic option for your situation.
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Request an Occupational Therapist (OT) Assessment: Contact your local council’s adult social care team. They will send an OT to visit your home, assess your physical needs, and formally recommend the exact changes required.
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Get Quotes and Permission: If you rent, you must secure written permission from your landlord. You will also need to get contractor quotes for the work.
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Submit the Formal Application: Do this through your local council’s housing department. Do not start any building work before the council officially approves your grant, or they will refuse to pay for it.
In these expensive times it really is worth applying for these benefits and grants. If you need any further advice or assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us at Home & Company.