Essential tips on how to apply for Attendance Allowance to secure up to £434 monthly

Attendance Allowance is a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for individuals over State Pension age who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. Successful claims can result in weekly payments of either £72.65 or £108.55, depending on the level of support needed.

These payments are made every four weeks, totalling £290.60 or £434.20 respectively. This additional income can be used as you see fit to meet your needs and maintain your independence at home - it doesn't necessarily have to be spent on a carer.

This tax-free benefit, specifically designed to assist older people, will not impact any other state support you may receive. Independent Age, a charity, has produced a factsheet to guide new claimants through the application process, along with seven top tips for completing the form.

According to the most recent DWP data from November 2023, 1,571,519 people across Great Britain were claiming the benefit, including 140,716 residing in Scotland.

It's worth noting that Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so unlike Pension Credit, retirement earnings or savings will not be considered, reports the Daily Record.

Tips for completing the Attendance Allowance application form

Independent Age has emphasised the significance of the claim form for Attendance Allowance, stating: "The decision maker will use your claim form to work out whether you qualify for Attendance Allowance, so it's important to give as much detail as possible."

For those considering the benefit, the organisation suggests that individuals should:

• Explain how your condition affects your day-to-day life and what personal tasks you have difficulties with

• Answer all the questions if you can and give examples

• Include the time it takes you to carry out specific tasks and how much help you need with them, even if there’s no one to help you

• Explain how your needs change and how bad your difficulties can be if some days are better than others

• Mention any things you avoid doing because they’re difficult for you – for example, if it’s difficult bending and reaching to put on and take off socks, even while you’re sitting down

• Explain what happens when you don’t receive the care you need, especially if this has left you at risk of falls or struggling to manage

• Send supporting information if you're able to - for example, from your carer, GP or consultant.

Should you need more advice or support, Independent Age provides assistance through their website here, or you can contact them by phoning 0800 319 6789.

Here's a brief overview to help you understand whether you - or someone in your family - might be eligible to file a claim.

What exactly is Attendance Allowance?

It's a benefit designed to assist with additional expenses if you're grappling with a disability, physical or mental health issues, or an illness severe enough to make self-care challenging - this does not extend to mobility needs.

It's worth noting that having a carer isn't a prerequisite for eligibility.

Consider applying for Attendance Allowance if you have a condition or disability requiring day-long help or nighttime supervision even if such assistance isn't already being provided.

This could range from support with personal maintenance tasks like dressing, eating and drinking, moving in and out of bed, bathing, showering, and restroom needs, to general safety precautions.

Even if routine personal tasks are a struggle, causing pain or taking excessive time, or if you're dependent on physical aids like a supportive chair, you should look into Attendance Allowance. It's crucial to remember that it's available to anyone in need, not just individuals with a physical ailment or condition.

You should also consider applying if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night due to:

• a mental health condition.

• learning difficulties.

• a sensory condition - such as being deaf or visually impaired.

Main disabling conditions with Attendance Allowance

The main disabling conditions for Attendance Allowance are based on data from the DWP's Attendance Allowance computer system. The DWP notes that when multiple conditions are present, the primary disabling condition is reported.

It's crucial to understand that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather a guide to help people understand what types of conditions are supported. However, if you need additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.

Eligible conditions include:

• Arthritis

• Spondylosis

• Back Pain

• Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints

• Trauma to Limbs

• Visual Disorders and Diseases

• Hearing Disorders

• Heart Disease

• Respiratory Disorders and Diseases

• Asthma

• Cystic Fibrosis

• Cerebrovascular Disease

• Peripheral vascular Disease

• Epilepsy

• Neurological Diseases

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Parkinsons Disease

• Motor Neurone Disease

• Chronic Pain Syndromes

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Metabolic Disease

• Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia

• Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia

• Learning Difficulties

• Psychosis

• Psychoneurosis

• Personality Disorder

• Dementia

• Behavioural Disorder

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

• Hyperkinetic Syndrome

• Renal Disorders

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease

• Bowel and Stomach Disease

• Blood Disorders

• Haemophilia

• Multi System Disorders

• Multiple Allergy Syndrome

• Skin Disease

• Malignant Disease

• Severely Mentally impaired

• Double Amputee

• Deaf/Blind

• Haemodialysis

• Frailty

• Total Parenteral Nutrition

• AIDS

• Infectious diseases: Viral disease - Coronavirus covid-19

Attendance Allowance is also currently supporting 43,295 individuals with a terminal illness.

How much could I receive through Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for £72.65 if you require help during the day or at night, or £108.55 if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £290.60 or £434.20 each pay period.

You have the freedom to spend the money however you wish, and it could assist you in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period.

This might include:

• paying for taxis.

• contributing towards bills.

• hiring a cleaner or gardener.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?

Absolutely. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, so your other income or savings won't affect your eligibility - there's no upper limit.

Plus, it's tax-free and you'll be exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning it won't reduce any other benefits you receive.

Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?

No, it won't interfere with your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still employed and earning.

How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?

Your other benefits might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:

• Additional Pension Credit.

• Housing Benefit Reduction.

• Council Tax Reduction.

How do I apply?

To apply for Attendance Allowance, you'll need to fill out a lengthy claim form. It may seem intimidating at first, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don't let the form deter you from applying.

If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.

What if I'm nearing State Pension age?

If you're considering applying for Attendance Allowance as you approach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately - you could potentially receive more money.

Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?

You will not be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you are already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while receiving DLA, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will typically reassess your DLA award instead.

You can renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you still meet the eligibility requirements. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance.

For more information about Attendance Allowance, visit the GOV. UK website here.