Attendance Allowance is a tax-fee benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability.
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you are over 65 and need someone to help look after you because you need assistance with things like getting dressed or going to the toilet or making sure you do not hurt yourself.
You must be living in the UK to qualify and you must have had care needs for at least six months before you can get the benefit, unless you are terminally ill. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you are living in a council care home or a hospital.
There are two rates for Attendance Allowance depending on how often you need help.
Full details of eligibility, current rates and how to claim Attendance Allowance are available at GOV.UK.
Further information on Attendance Allowance is available at the following links:
If you do qualify it might increase the amount of other benefits you receive, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit. On top of that, the person looking after you might qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
You can apply for Attendance Allowance by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline 0800 731 0122 .
The form is quite long and you can arrange for someone to help you fill it in over the phone.
Alternatively, you can download the form to print off and complete yourself.
A "Guide to Attendance Allowance" including help and advice on completing the claim form is available from ageuk.
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