Attendance Allowance by Lorraine Moss.

Havering Welfare Benefits Adviser Lorraine Moss today writes in the Havering Daily.

Attendance Allowance is a disability benefit for people over State Pension age.  A lot of people miss out on this benefit because they think that they are not eligible.  Attendance Allowance is not means tested so people can apply regardless of their income or savings.

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a health condition or disability that is severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.  You do not have to be receiving help to apply.  Additionally, being in receipt of this benefit does not mean that you have to have people coming into your home to look after you.  It gives you extra income to pay for any additional support that you may need.  If you are awarded Attendance Allowance then somebody can claim Carers Allowance or the Carers Element of Universal Credit (as long as they meet the criteria) for looking after you, please see Attendance Allowance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Rates of Attendance Allowance

There are 2 rates of Attendance Allowance;

Lower rate is £59.70 per week and the higher rate if £89.10 per week.  Additionally, being awarded Attendance Allowance may increase your eligibility for other means tested benefits.  For example, if it is awarded and you live on your own, you would them be eligible for The Severe Disability Premium.  This can increase Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Eligibility 

You can get Attendance Allowance if you’ve reached State Pension age and the following apply:● you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both● your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety● you have needed that help for at least 6 months (unless you’re terminally ill)

You must also:● be in Great Britain when you claim – there are some exceptions, such as members and family members of the armed forces● have been in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status)● be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands● not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)

Source: Attendance Allowance: Eligibility – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

How To Apply

You can apply by calling the DWP on 0800 731 0122, or you can download a printable form please see Attendance Allowance claim form – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

In next week’s article, I will go through the application process and what to do if your application is refused.