benefits

[Ice2010]

hi all lovely morning 😀Has any one been able to get attendance allowance for there lung condition? Thanks

[CDPO16]

Hi, benefits such as Attendance Allowance are awarded depending on how much help you need with daily living rather than any diagnosis of disease.

[oneeyedjack69 in reply to CDPO16]

I have very severe COPD and was awarded AA after a short informal interview and an accompanied back to the car. It was all very simple and payment was made within two weeks.

[Bevvy]

Attendance Allowance (disability payment if over retirement age) and other benefits aimed at people not over retirement age, are not paid due to condition you have but paid in relation to how you are affected day to day. For example most people with asthma are able to get on with lives and manage condition very well. Others who are severely affected need help in day to day lives so can apply for disability benefits. Likewise there is a whole disparity when talking about arthritis. Some people are mildly affected but others are unable to do very much independently. This is why it goes on how people affected rather than named condition.

If you are going to complete the forms I strongly recommend you seek help to do so. They are tricky forms and there is a real skill in completing them. Organisations such as CAB can be helpful and if you can’t see anyone there, the CAB website is helpful. Some local authorities have a Money Advice Unit who can help and finally AgeUk can help.

Be prepared that completing forms can take some time. I recently assisted someone complete Personal Independence Payment (PIP) forms (disability payment for under retirement age) and it took us a good 3hrs and I know roughly how to complete them!!

[Ice2010 in reply to Bevvy]

Hi bevvy many thanks for the advice much appreciate, I have not got the form yet

but will get some help with filling it it !

[Oshgosh in reply to Ice2010]

the citizens advice helped me. The form is daunting x

[Ice2010 in reply to Oshgosh]

many thanks, think I will get in touch with them when I get the form x

[Brikel in reply to Ice2010]

make sure you phone up for the form rather than getting it online.

Your payment if successful starts when you made your request

[Ice2010 in reply to Brikel]

hi thank you ,didn’t realise that ,would you have any idea how long it takes once they get the form back ? Thanks

[Brikel in reply to Ice2010]

I think it takes about a month but can’t remember exactly.

As others have said include copies of consultants letters etc., ,and remember, it’s for extra help for the things you find difficult to do

Hope you are successful

Brian

[Hobbledehoy in reply to Bevvy]

Your surgery may have access to a Social Prescriber, who filled my forms in with me.

[garshe]

Have lots of paperwork to include with application. ie. Hospital appointments. Diagnosis. Visits from respiratory team etc. Courses attended such as Pulmonary rehab. What help you require for everyday living . What stage lung disease is. .xxSheila

[Aingeful]

I am lucky in that my daughter worked in Welfare Rights and she has got me all the allowances that I am entitled to. Get expert help if you haven't already,your local council should be able to point you in the right direction.

[Ice2010 in reply to Aingeful]

hi thanks looks like it may be a bit of a minefield! When I get the form I’m going to get help from citizens advice

[Karenanne61]

We used the government advice site to complete my pip. We did around one question a day with my husband asking questions and jotting down my answers, then tidying it up and transferring a succint answer to the form. Make sure you only answer the question asked but as you're affected on bad days. I then had a phone assessment. It can take a looong time but if successful it will be back paid. Good luck.

[Bingo88]

I recently had a visit from someone from the DWP. who asked the questions about Attendance Allowance. But how can you answer about what help you need with things when you live alone. You just have to carry on the best way possible. Brian