If you
get Attendance Allowance, you might be able to
get some
other benefits, or an increase in
benefits, including: Pension Credit. Housing
Benefit. Council Tax Reduction.
You may also be entitled to:
- Help with NHS health costs.
- Cold weather payments.
- Winter Fuel payment.
How do I claim Attendance Allowance? Get a claim form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317), you can download a claim form from the GOV UK website here.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis aged 65 or over who need care or supervision are entitled to Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, is tax free and is not dependent on the National Insurance contributions you have paid. You may still claim Attendance Allowance if you are working.
The PIP benefit is for adults, aged 16 to 64, and this benefit replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The AA benefit is for people who have reached state pension age.
If someone looks after you they might be able to claim Carer's Allowance if you get Attendance Allowance. Carer's Allowance is paid to your carer. you get any rate of Attendance Allowance. they spend at least 35 hours a week caring for you.
You might have been given Attendance Allowance for an indefinite period. This doesn't mean you'll continue to get Attendance Allowance for the rest of your life - it just means there's no fixed date for the DWP to review your claim.
Attendance Allowance is not payable after the first 28 days in a care home, unless you are completely self-funding. Attendance Allowance will continue to be paid if you are in a nursing home and the only help you get with your fees is an amount called the Registered Nursing Care Contribution from the NHS.
Attendance Allowance rates
| Rate | Level of help you need |
|---|
| Lower rate - £59.70 | Frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night |
| Higher rate - £89.15 | Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or you're terminally ill |
If you cannot download or print the form, phone the Attendance Allowance helpline to ask for a copy. You can also call the helpline for information about a claim you've already made for Attendance Allowance. Read more about Attendance Allowance.
Anyone who wants to claim this for themselves can do so, but they must prove they meet Government set criteria. These include the carer, the person they care for, and the type of care they provide.
Attendance Allowance is money for people aged pension age or over who have care needs. You may have care needs if you need help with activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, going to the toilet or having someone to look after you so you do not hurt yourself. It could include help outside the home.
You must have at least 12 months remaining on your allowance when you join the Scheme. Unfortunately, the Attendance Allowance cannot be used to lease a car through the Motability Scheme. You can find out if you are eligible for the Scheme by using the Eligibility Checker .
Attendance Allowance is usually paid every four weeks. It can be paid for a minimum of six months or longer if you carry on having care needs. If you go into hospital, it will stop after four weeks. See our Benefits in hospital guide.
You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if dementia has affected your ability to look after yourself and you need extra help. Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who are State Pension age who have a disability or health condition which means that they need care or supervision.
Challenging an Attendance Allowance decision - appealing the decision. If the DWP didn't change their decision when you asked for mandatory reconsideration, you can appeal to an independent panel called a tribunal.
You can apply to join the Motability Scheme if you are aged 65 and over and you receive one of the following allowances: Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
