Attendance Allowance: What It Is and How Families Can Claim It
A lot of older people in Essex are entitled to Attendance Allowance and never claim it. If you are helping a parent or relative, it is one of the first things worth checking.
What is Attendance Allowance?
It is a benefit for people at State Pension age or older who have a physical disability, a mental disability or a health condition, and who need help because of it. You do not need to have someone looking after you to claim, and it does not cover mobility needs.
How much does it pay?
At the time of writing there are two weekly rates, £76.70 or £114.60, depending on the level of help needed. Rates change each April, so check the current figures on GOV.UK before you apply.
Why it is worth claiming
The money can go towards anything that makes life easier at home, including paying for some regular help. Getting it can also open the door to extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, so it is worth asking about those at the same time.
How to claim
You can apply online through GOV.UK, or by post using the Attendance Allowance claim form. The helpline is 0800 731 0122, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. If you ask for the form by phone, return it within 6 weeks so your claim starts from the date of your call. After you apply you should get a text or letter within 3 weeks explaining when to expect a decision.
A few tips for filling it in
Describe the worst days, not the best ones.
Think about nights as well as days, and about tasks that are hard or take far longer than they should.
Ask a son, daughter or friend to read it through with you. A second pair of eyes helps.
If you live in Scotland the benefit is called Pension Age Disability Payment, but for anyone in Essex Attendance Allowance is the right route.
Need a hand at home?
Essex Home Support provides non-medical home help from £27 an hour, with no contract and no added fees. Our helpers can lend a hand with shopping, meals, housework, company and getting out and about. You can read more on our services page or call 07719 634112.
This article is general information, not benefits advice. Always check the latest details on GOV.UK.
