Attendance Allowance Eligibility Information

Overview

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability in the UK. This page provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria for Attendance Allowance.

Mission Statement

Our goal at Allowance Assistant.co.uk is to ensure that individuals who require assistance due to disabilities receive the financial support they need to maintain their independence and quality of life.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must meet the following conditions:

• Age Requirement: You must be over State Pension age.
• Disability: You must have a physical or mental disability, or both, that requires frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
• Residency: You must have been in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years and be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.
• Personal Care Needs: Your disability must require you to need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe.

Types of Help Required

• Personal Care: Assistance with daily activities such as washing, dressing, eating, and using the toilet.
• Supervision: Constant supervision to avoid danger or ensure safety.

Rates and Payment of Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is available at two rates, based on the level of care you require:

• Lower Rate: £72.65 per week, for those needing frequent care throughout the day or night (£72.65 per week × 52 weeks = £3,777.80 per year).
• Higher Rate: £108.55 per week, for those needing frequent care both day and night or for those who are terminally ill (£108.55 per week × 52 weeks = £5,644.60 per year).

You have the freedom to spend your Attendance Allowance as you wish. It is not necessary to use it for someone to look after you.

Christmas Bonus

If you receive Attendance Allowance, you are eligible for a Christmas Bonus of £10 each year. This bonus is automatically paid and does not require a separate claim. It does not affect any other benefits you may receive.

Benefit Cap Exemption

Receiving Attendance Allowance exempts you and your partner from the Benefit Cap, which limits the total amount of certain benefits for working-age people.

Payment Method

Attendance Allowance is typically paid directly into your bank or building society account. If you cannot open or manage such an account, it can be paid through the Payment Exception Service. Payments are usually made every four weeks and can continue for a minimum of six months, or longer if your care needs persist. If you are hospitalised, the allowance will stop after four weeks. Refer to our Benefits in Hospital guide for more details.

Attendance Allowance and Other Benefits

Receiving Attendance Allowance might increase the amount of other benefits or credits you are entitled to, such as extra Housing Benefit (in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland) or Pension Credit. Inform the relevant organisations of your Attendance Allowance award. Generally, Attendance Allowance is not considered income when calculating other benefits. Additionally, someone who looks after you might be able to claim Carer's Allowance once you start receiving Attendance Allowance.

Application Process

• Complete the Online Form: You can apply by completing our simplified Attendance Allowance claim form online.
• Medical Assessment: In some cases, you may be required to undergo a medical assessment to determine the level of care needed.
• Decision: After submitting your form online, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will review your application and notify you of their decision.