Attendance allowance.

[CEDAR0902]

A friend with AF and enlarged heart told me she gets attendance allowance and that I should apply for it too. I have copd and takotsubo cardiomyopathy. I'm wondering if I'm entitled to it. Any advice would be more than welcome..tia.

[Purpleazalia]

Hi Cedar0902

Unfortunately, it's not simply about having certain health conditions to qualify. You must be over pension age, have a long term health condition or disability, and need help or supervision with personal care.

Here's a link to a very informative site which explains the criteria, the type of information you'll need to provide, how to apply, where to get support to complete the form, and more.

independentage.org/get-advi...

All the best if you decide to apply - if in doubt, you won't know unless you try! 😊

[VelvetSky]

Hi, don’t fill in the form yourself, I had help from Citizens Advice but there are other advice agencies, they think of things you never would consider. I didn’t expect to get it but was awarded it at the higher rate, it makes a lot of difference to have more income. Good luck!

[CEDAR0902 in reply to VelvetSky]

I've already filled and sent the form off. I received a text message off them saying they'd received it and would contact me within 12weeks to say if I was entitled to it. I'm of state pension age.

[ParrotLover22 in reply to CEDAR0902]

Hi. It would be very beneficial if you can get a Letter off your Doctor/Specialist to send it to them if you haven't already obviously. It goes a long way and Letters from Professionals have a lot of 'Clout'!! Good Luck 🤞

[cappachina]

I Hope you gave them a full picture of how it effects you how much longer it now takes you to do everything how much pain you are in when doing it and whether you are at risk of falling etc out of breath when you are doing it Alway fill in thinking of your worst days These forms are a nightmare if you don't know what you are doing . If they reject you ask for a mandatory appeal and answer all questions with those things in mind.

[CEDAR0902 in reply to cappachina]

Thank you for replying to me and advice given.

[cappachina in reply to CEDAR0902]

No problems I have done a lot of these forms over the years for people Good Luck and don't give up

[Hidden]

Providing you are of State Pension age, you can apply for Attendance Allowance. Always remember that it is not illegal to APPLY for any benefit. It is only illegal to accept benefits that you are not eligible to receive. I agree with every other comment made here. I used to help people apply for this and other benefits and would offer the following advice:

1. Tell the truth on the the form. Do not claim difficulties that do not affect you.

2. Lay it on with a trowel. Whatever difficulty/discomfort you have happens every day not now and again.

3. Accept that 50 to 60% of claims fail first time round.

4. If you fail, appeal! The majority of appeals succeed.

[CEDAR0902 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice.

[Doublef]

I get the lower rate of attendance allowance, its because my wife has to assist with my care for around 36 hours per week. You will need to provide written proof of ailments and medication and which doctors treat you. I have HF, diabetes 2 and emphysema

[CEDAR0902 in reply to Doublef]

Thank you for your advice..

[bwiltshi]

If you are not successful you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration, or even appeal. It may be because you didn't make your case well against the criteria set out in the regulations. I would get help from Citizens Advice for MR, appeal, or even a fresh application.

[CEDAR0902]

Thanks to all who replied to my question. You have all certainly helped point me in the right direction.