What is the difference between Attendance Allowance and PIP/DLA?

Attendance Allowance is for people who have reached State Pension age and need care due to a disability. PIP (Personal Independence Payment) and DLA (Disability Living Allowance) are for people under State Pension age. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance and PIP/DLA at the same time.

Will claiming Attendance Allowance affect my other benefits or savings?

No, Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, meaning it does not affect your income or savings. It is also tax-free. In fact, receiving Attendance Allowance can sometimes increase other means-tested benefits like Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I live alone and don't have a carer?

Yes, absolutely. Attendance Allowance is based on your *need* for care or supervision, not whether you are currently receiving it. If you would be unsafe or unable to manage certain personal care tasks without help, you could be eligible, even if family or friends currently provide informal care, or if you manage alone but at significant risk or difficulty.

What if my loved one is in a care home? Can they still get Attendance Allowance?

It depends on how their care home fees are funded. If your loved one self-funds their care, they can usually still claim Attendance Allowance. If the local authority pays for all their care home fees, they generally cannot. If they receive NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), they can usually still claim Attendance Allowance. It's best to check with a benefits advisor or the DWP for specific circumstances.

How long does it take to get a decision after applying?

The processing time for Attendance Allowance claims can vary. It often takes several weeks, and sometimes longer, to receive a decision. The DWP will write to you to confirm they've received your application and will contact you if they need further information or wish to arrange an assessment.

Attendance Allowance: Complete Guide

Attendance Allowance: A Comprehensive Guide for Families

Navigating the complexities of care and financial support for elderly loved ones can be a daunting experience. As families, we naturally want to ensure they receive the best possible care, but the costs involved can be significant. This is where Attendance Allowance can play a vital role. It's a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed to help with extra costs if your loved one needs care due to a physical or mental disability.

This comprehensive guide aims to demystify Attendance Allowance, providing families with clear, actionable information on who is eligible, how to apply, and what to expect throughout the process. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge needed to secure this crucial support for your elderly family member, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.

This guide provides general information about Attendance Allowance in the UK. Benefit rules can be complex and may change. Always refer to official government guidance or seek advice from a benefits expert for personalised information.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. It's not about the disability itself, but rather the care and supervision needs that arise from it. Importantly, you don't actually have to be receiving the care; it's about needing it.

It's a non-means-tested benefit, which means that your loved one's savings, income, or other benefits they receive will not affect their eligibility. It's also tax-free. The money can be used however the claimant wishes – whether it's for paying for a carer, adapting their home, or contributing to everyday living costs that have increased due to their care needs.

There are two different rates of Attendance Allowance, depending on the level of care needed.

Who is Attendance Allowance For?

Individuals who have reached State Pension age (you can check the current State Pension age on the Gov.uk website).
They need help with personal care (e.g., washing, dressing, eating) or supervision to stay safe.
Their care needs have existed for at least 6 months (unless they are terminally ill).
They are habitually resident in the UK (with some exceptions).

Many people mistakenly believe they can't claim Attendance Allowance if they live alone or don't currently receive professional care. This is incorrect. The benefit is based on the need for care, not whether that care is currently being provided or by whom. Family members providing care can also be a strong indicator of need.

Understanding the Care Needs Criteria

The DWP assesses your loved one's care needs based on two main categories:

Daytime Needs

This refers to help needed during the day. This could include assistance with:

Washing, bathing, and showering
Dressing and undressing
Eating and drinking
Using the toilet
Managing medication
Communicating (e.g., if they have speech difficulties)
Mobility around the home (e.g., needing help to move safely between rooms)
Supervision to prevent danger (e.g., if they are prone to falls, confused, or have memory problems and might wander or leave appliances on).

Night-time Needs

This refers to help or supervision needed during the night. This often qualifies for the higher rate. Examples include:

Needing help to go to the toilet during the night
Waking up frequently and needing assistance to get back to sleep or stay safe
Requiring someone to watch over them to prevent them from harming themselves or others (e.g., due to confusion, disorientation, or a risk of falling)
Needing help with medication during the night.

It's crucial to differentiate between needing care and simply being lonely. Attendance Allowance is for practical care or supervision needs due to a disability or illness, not for companionship alone.

Attendance Allowance Rates

There are two rates of Attendance Allowance:

Lower rate: For those who need frequent care or supervision during the day or night.
Higher rate: For those who need frequent care or supervision both day and night, or who are terminally ill.

The exact weekly amounts are updated annually. You can find the current rates on the Gov.uk website or by contacting the DWP.

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

Applying for Attendance Allowance involves completing a detailed form, AA1. This form can seem lengthy and intrusive, but providing comprehensive and honest information is key to a successful claim. It's often helpful for a family member or trusted friend to assist the claimant with completing the form.

Step 1: Obtain the Claim Form

Download online: You can download the AA1 claim form from the Gov.uk website.
Order by phone: You can call the Attendance Allowance helpline to have a form sent to you. The date of this phone call can be important as it can act as the 'date of claim' if you return the form within six weeks. This means the benefit could be paid from an earlier date.

Step 2: Completing the Form (AA1)

This is the most critical part of the application. Be as detailed as possible, providing a realistic picture of your loved one's daily and nightly care needs. Here are some tips:

Don't underestimate needs: People often downplay the help they receive or need. Be honest about all difficulties, even small ones.
Focus on what would happen: If your loved one doesn't currently receive care but would be at risk without it, explain this clearly. For example, 'If I didn't help Mum get dressed, she would often put clothes on inside out or forget to dress at all.'
Provide specific examples: Instead of saying 'needs help getting dressed,' write 'needs help choosing appropriate clothes, getting arms into sleeves, and fastening buttons due to arthritis in her hands and memory issues. This takes approximately 30 minutes each morning.'
Describe a 'bad day': Explain how their condition affects them on their worst days, not just their best.
Detail night-time needs: If they wake up frequently, describe what happens, how long it takes to settle them, and any risks involved.
Include mental health needs: Memory problems, confusion, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to care needs, especially for supervision and prompting.
List all conditions and medications: Provide details of all illnesses, disabilities, and the medications they take.
Include supporting evidence: If you have letters from doctors, specialists, or social workers that describe their condition or care needs, include copies (not originals).
Keep a copy: Always make a copy of the completed form and any supporting documents before sending it.

While describing symptoms and their impact, do not attempt to provide a medical diagnosis yourself. Stick to describing the practical difficulties and the help needed, referring to existing diagnoses from healthcare professionals.

Step 3: Sending the Form

Send the completed form and any supporting evidence to the address provided on the form. It's highly recommended to send it by recorded delivery to ensure it arrives and you have proof of postage.

Step 4: The Decision

The DWP will review the form and any evidence. They may contact your loved one for more information, or in some cases, arrange for a healthcare professional to visit them to assess their needs. This is not always required, especially if the form is very detailed and supported by medical evidence.

Once a decision is made, your loved one will receive a letter informing them whether their claim has been successful, and if so, at which rate. If the claim is unsuccessful or they are awarded a lower rate than expected, it's important to understand the next steps.

What if the Claim is Refused or You Disagree with the Decision?

If the DWP refuses the claim or awards a lower rate than you believe is appropriate, you have the right to challenge this decision. There are two main stages:

Mandatory Reconsideration

You must first ask the DWP to look at their decision again. This is called a Mandatory Reconsideration. You should do this within one month of the date on the decision letter. Clearly explain why you think the decision is wrong and provide any new evidence that supports your claim.

Appeal to an Independent Tribunal

If you are still unhappy after the Mandatory Reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent tribunal. This is a formal process, and it's highly recommended to seek advice from organisations like Citizens Advice or Age UK at this stage. They can help you prepare your case and may even represent your loved one at the tribunal.

Attendance Allowance and Other Benefits

Receiving Attendance Allowance can often unlock access to other benefits or increase existing ones. This is because Attendance Allowance acts as a 'gateway' to additional support.

Carer's Allowance: If someone cares for your loved one for at least 35 hours a week and meets other eligibility criteria, they may be able to claim Carer's Allowance.
Pension Credit: Attendance Allowance can increase the amount of Pension Credit your loved one receives, particularly the Guarantee Credit element.
Housing Benefit / Council Tax Reduction: Receiving Attendance Allowance can sometimes lead to an increase in Housing Benefit or a reduction in Council Tax.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payment (PIP): It's important to note that Attendance Allowance is for those over State Pension age. If your loved one is under State Pension age, they would typically claim DLA or PIP instead. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance and DLA/PIP at the same time.

If your loved one is awarded Attendance Allowance, it's a good time to review all their other benefits and entitlements. A benefits advisor can help identify any additional support they might now qualify for.

Living in a Care Home and Attendance Allowance

This is a common area of confusion for families. The rules for Attendance Allowance when living in a care home depend on how the care home fees are being paid:

Self-funded care: If your loved one pays for all their care home fees themselves, they can still claim Attendance Allowance.
Local authority funded care: If the local authority pays for all of your loved one's care home fees (e.g., they receive full funding after a financial assessment), they will usually not be able to receive Attendance Allowance. However, if the local authority only funds part of the care, or if there is a temporary period of self-funding, there might be eligibility. This can be complex, so professional advice is crucial.
NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC): If your loved one receives NHS FNC, they can still claim Attendance Allowance, as FNC is specifically for nursing care and doesn't cover all personal care needs.

Before assuming eligibility, clarify with the care home and/or the local authority exactly how your loved one's care is being funded. This will determine their Attendance Allowance eligibility.

Reviewing and Reporting Changes

Attendance Allowance awards are not always for life. The DWP may set a review date, or your loved one may be asked to complete a review form periodically to ensure their benefit entitlement is still correct.

It is crucial to report any significant changes in circumstances to the DWP, as failing to do so could lead to overpayment and a requirement to pay back money. Changes to report include:

A change in care needs (either better or worse).
Going into a care home where local authority funding covers all fees.
A prolonged stay in hospital (usually after 28 days, payment may stop or reduce).
Leaving the UK for an extended period.

Final Thoughts for Families

Understanding and applying for Attendance Allowance can be a significant step towards alleviating some of the financial pressures associated with elderly care. While the process requires effort and attention to detail, the potential benefits for your loved one's well-being and independence are substantial.

Remember, you don't have to navigate this alone. There are many organisations dedicated to supporting families through the benefits system. Don't hesitate to reach out for professional advice.

Need Help and Support?

For personalised advice on Attendance Allowance and other benefits, or if you need assistance with completing forms or challenging a decision, please contact the following organisations:

Citizens Advice: Free, independent, confidential advice on benefits, debt, and more.Visit →

Age UK: Information and advice for older people, including benefits, care, and money matters.Visit →

GOV.UK - Attendance Allowance: Official government guidance and how to claim.Visit →

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Attendance Allowance Helpline: For ordering forms or general enquiries.Visit →

Local Social Services / Adult Social Care: Your local council can provide information on care assessments and local support services.Visit →

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