Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age who need extra help to stay independent due to a disability or illness. 

The good thing about this benefit is that is non-means tested;  it can be paid regardless of your income, savings or National Insurance contribution record, and it is a tax free benefit. 

If you are a Carer who has care needs, you can claim Attendance Allowance for yourself, and this will not affect your Carer’s Allowance or the person you are caring for. Attendance Allowance does not affect any other benefits you may be receiving, however if you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, you may become entitled to other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, or an increase if you already recieve these you may be entilted to an increase. However, the local authority will take the amount you receive in Attendance Allowance into consideration when calculating their contribution for your  future care needs.

 

Everyone who meets the criteria for help will be paid an amount towards the support they need, although there are no restrictions on how you can spend your Attendance Allowance. There are two rates, depending on the amount of help you need £59.70, or £89.15.  

 

Your eligibility for Attendance Allowance is assessed from your application form, and you must have needed support for at least 6 months, however if you are terminally ill, you can claim immediately. Forms are available at the following link:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/attendance-allowance-claim-form    

You can claim online or by post.