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Attendance Allowance

 
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people aged 65 or over who need frequent help because of their sickness or disability. You can get Attendance Allowance even if no-one is giving you the care you need. 

Download our 65 or over? leaflet that will give you further information.

(If you are under 65 years old you may qualify for Disability Living Allowance).

Many people do not realise that they can get this benefit and miss out on extra money every week.

Who can claim

You can get Attendance Allowance if you:

  • need a lot of help looking after yourself - with things like washing, dressing, eating, bathing, going to the toilet, medication or communicating with other people (for example because you cannot see or hear)
  • need supervision to keep you safe from falls or accidents.
You must have needed help for at least six months (unless you are terminally ill - then you can get help straight away).

You can get Attendance Allowance even if:

  • no one is giving you the help you need and you live alone (you do not have to be paying a carer and it is up to you how you spend the money)
  • you get help from the council or health service
  • you have other money coming in or savings.
Attendance Allowance is not taxable and can be paid on top of any other benefits or pensions you already have.

What you get

Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates, £44.85* or £67* depending on how much help you need.

If you already get benefits, a successful claim may even mean that your other benefits increase - get advice.

If you get Pension Credit Guarantee that might increase by £50.35* a week if you live alone.

*These rates will increase in April 2009.

Getting Attendance Allowance will NEVER reduce any other benefits you get.

How to claim

To claim, contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on freephone 0800 882 200 and ask for a form. Textphone users can call 0800 243 355.

You will be given six weeks to return your form and your claim will then be dated from the day you telephoned.

Further information

Contact Greenwich Welfare Rights Service using the number on the right or our online enquiry form for more information.

You can find more details in these leaflets, Benefits for Pensioners and Benefits if you are sick or disabled.

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