How does attendance allowance work?
Attendance allowance is a form of monetary support for those with disabilities who require care. There are two rates of attendance allowance and how much money you receive is dependent on how much support you need in day to day life – whether it is part-time assistance or full-time support.
Attendance allowance does not cover mobility requirements.
Read on to find out more information about attendance allowance or contact us to speak to a member of our team about our residential care service.
How much attendance allowance can I get?
The lower rate of attendance allowance for those who require constant supervision and assistance is capped at £60pw whereas those who require 24/hr care can receive £89.60pw.
Am I eligible for attendance allowance?
If you have reached state pension age and meet the following criteria, you may be eligible for attendance allowance:
- You have a physical disability (including sensory disability e.g. blindness) or mental disability (including learning difficulties) or you have both.
- You require someone to look after you because of your disability.
- You have required someone to look after you for at least six months.
- You are a resident of the United Kingdom, Isle of Man or Channel Islands.
- You are in Great Britain when making the claim (unless you are in the armed forces).
- In the past three years, you have resided in Great Britain for at least two of those years (not applicable if you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection).
When can I not get attendance allowance?
If you live in a residential care home, you will not receive attendance allowance unless you are responsible for paying your care home costs.
For more information about residential care, contact us and a member of our team will be happy to discuss things further.
How do I claim attendance allowance?
You can apply for attendance allowance by post if you fill in the form found on the gov.uk website. Upon completion of the form, post it to:
Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance
Can I claim for attendance allowance if I’m terminally ill?
If you are not expected to live more than six months then there are special circumstances that apply to attendance allowance.
You should complete the form and ask a doctor or healthcare professional for ‘form DS1500’ and they will either fill out the form and give it to you or send it directly to DWP.
Can I challenge a decision about my claim for attendance allowance if I don’t agree with it?
If you do not agree with a decision about your eligibility for benefits, you can ask for mandatory reconsideration.
You can ask for mandatory reconsideration if you believe that the office has made a mistake with regards to your claim, you believe that your case should be looked at again or you disagree with the reasoning behind the decision.
To ask for mandatory reconsideration, you must do so within one month of receiving the decision.
Highpoint Care operates two luxury residential care homes with specialised facilities for residents who have dementia-related illnesses. You can find out a bit more about us here or contact us to speak to a member of our team.