Are you eligible for Attendance Allowance?

Date: October 25, 2023

Author: Zoe Armbrust

Are you or a family member eligible for Attendance Allowance? When someone has reached state pension age and has long-term health issues, they might qualify for this financial support. This allowance can then be used to help pay for personal care. We look at the main factors which will help you understand your eligibility.

Criteria for eligibility

Attendance Allowance can be a vital source of financial support for those needing care. If you’re caring for someone with these needs, you can apply for them on their behalf.

Eligibility will depend on whether someone is living with one or more of the following:

A physical disability, including sensory impairments like blindness.
A mental disability, which can include dementia and learning difficulties.
A severe disability requiring assistance with self-care or supervision for safety, either for themselves or someone else.

The person claiming must have lived in Great Britain for at least 2 years within the last 3 years, and still be a resident. In most cases, applicants must meet the specified conditions for at least 6 months with some exceptions for recent diagnoses.

Attendance Allowance is non-means tested

Unlike some other benefits, Attendance Allowance is “non-means tested” and it’s also tax free. It’s a myth that if you have savings, you cannot claim this type of financial support. Even if you are a millionaire, you might be able to claim this allowance if you are eligible. Your income, savings, and the value of your home won’t affect your eligibility.

Also, Attendance Allowance won’t affect any other benefits you are receiving. There are two different rates, which depend on the amount of support needed. If someone needs frequent care during the day or night, they might receive the lower rate (currently £68.10 per week).

When someone needs care both day and night, they may qualify for the higher rate (currently £101.75 per week). When someone has a terminal illness, they are usually fast-tracked and would normally receive the higher amount.

How to apply for Attendance Allowance

To apply for Attendance Allowance, complete the necessary form from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). You can find more information and resources on their official website or Carers.uk. The application process is vital for securing this type of financial support, but the forms can be lengthy. Our carers can assist those who are eligible to complete and submit their forms on their behalf.

If you or someone you know receives Attendance Allowance, they might also be eligible for extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. There are also other forms of financial support available. NHS Continuing Healthcare Funding, for example, is available for those living with complex medical conditions, such as dementia. To see if you are eligible, talk to our carers, or your GP or social worker, who will arrange an assessment.

Support for living at home

Health and social care funding can provide much-needed financial relief for individuals and families providing care at home. Understanding the various financial support options available for those living with long-term health issues and disabilities is crucial.

Attendance Allowance can enable people to live a better standard of life, as well as contributing to the cost of their personal care needs. If you need help, speak to our team. Promedica24 provides flexible hourly home care services in Blaby and Lutterworth, South Leicestershire.

For more details, please email Lisa Colver: L.Colver@promedica24.co.uk

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