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What Is Attendance Allowance? A Guide to Eligibility and Benefits

What Is Attendance Allowance? A Guide to Eligibility and Benefits

Audio File - What Is Attendance Allowance? A Guide to Eligibility and Benefits

What Is Attendance Allowance? A Guide to Eligibility and Benefits

 

Are you or a loved one over State Pension age and in need of support with personal care?

You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance, a benefit that can help ease the financial burden of care.

In today’s blog, we’ll dive into the details of what Attendance Allowance is, how to qualify and how it can make a difference in your daily life.

Today we’re going to break down everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance.

Whether you’re applying for yourself or helping a loved one, this benefit could be a game-changer for your care needs.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit, which means it’s not based on your income or savings.

This makes it accessible to many people over State Pension age who require extra help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability.

This benefit is not linked to your financial situation, so it’s available to a wide range of people who meet the other eligibility criteria.

What Is Attendance Allowance

Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must be over State Pension age and need help or supervision with personal care.

You do not need a formal assessment by social services, but you must show that you’ve required help for at least six months.

Examples of personal care needs include:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Toileting
  • Keeping you safe by needing someone to keep an eye on you throughout the day or night.
What Is Attendance Allowance

How Much Attendance Allowance Will You Get?

There are two rates of Attendance Allowance, depending on how much support you need.

The Current Lower rate is around £72.65 per week for those needing help during the day or night.

The Current Higher rate is around £108.55 per week for those needing help both day and night, or for those who are terminally ill.

This benefit can make a real difference to your finances, helping to cover the cost of live in care, daily support and other care-related needs.

What Is Attendance Allowance

Additional Benefits and Entitlements

One of the great things about Attendance Allowance is that it can open the door to additional entitlements, such as:

  • Higher Pension Credit
  • Increased Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax reductions
  • Contribution to certain NHS costs based on your circumstances

So, by qualifying for Attendance Allowance, you may unlock further financial help to make care more affordable.

What Is Attendance Allowance

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

Applying for Attendance Allowance involves filling out a detailed claim form.

You can access the form online through the GOV.UK website or request it from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The form asks for details about how your disability affects your daily life, so it’s important to take your time when completing it.

If you’re unsure about any part of the application, we’re here to help.

You can also reach out to organisations like Age UK, Citizens Advice and Carers UK for additional support.

What Is Attendance Allowance

Need Help with the Process?

Applying for benefits can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone.

If you need help with your application or want to ensure you’re maximising the benefits available to you, contact us at Living at Home.

We can guide you through every step of the process.

If you’re interested in learning more about other funding options or need assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.

Remember, you’re not alone in navigating the world of financial support for home care. 

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.