Benefits - Attendance Allowance
What is it?
Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit paid to people over
65 who need help with personal care needs or mobility problems
because of illness or disability. It will be paid to you whether
you live alone or with someone else.
Who is eligible?
If you are over 65 you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance
if:
- You have a physical or mental disability or both.
- Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring
for yourself or someone to look after you for your own or someone
else’s safety.
Normally, you must have had these care or supervision needs for
at least six months and it is not usually affected by any
savings or income you may have.
If you have a terminal illness then special rules apply. If the
person’s illness is progressive and they are not expected to live
longer than another 6 months they will be able to claim the higher
rate of attendance Allowance straight away.
How much will I get?
The rate paid depends on your care and mobility needs.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two levels:
- Low Rate £47.80 per week
- High Rate £71.40 per week
In addition the level of Attendance Allowance can increase a
person’s entitlement to:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
- Health Benefits
How do I apply?
A claim pack can be obtained from:
For further information on Attendance Allowance click on link to
http://www.direct.gov.uk/ or
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/