Attendance allowance

[CELAT06]

Hi all, hope you're having a good day, is attendance allowance the benefit to claim when over 65, not working and only getting state pension and pension credit with severe COPD, I've seen on here there are different benefits for different circumstances and am confused by it all. So any advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Celat.

[Hidden]

We have just applied and my husband has received full attendance allowance. It is the benefit to claim over 65 and it is not means tested. I downloaded the application form from the internet. I also spoke to the respiratory team who referred me to the Welfare Rights Worker who came out and helped fill out the form. There is very little area to write on for each reply - so we did an extended reply for each question so that we clearly set out the problems my husband faced which related to each question. It may seem repetitive but you need to answer each question fully even if you think you have written it down before. It is also a good idea to ask the doctor to write a letter about your illnesses etc. We enclosed the latest spirometry tests results and the letter from the respiratory team after he had finished pulmonary rehab.

You could ring the BLF helpline (click on the red balloon) and they will be able to give you advise applying etc. Good Luck TAD xx

[pergola1]

Both my husband and I were granted attendance allowance. Brian's allowance was speeded up and granted almost immediately in view of his condition. The Macmillan nurse helped him with the form.

I had the CAB help me with mine which was granted but a while after. Pleasant suprise to read the letter.

[stone-UK]

Hi

Claim form as mentioned fill in all the questions , help from CAB is usefull

gov.uk/attendance-allowance

[katieoxo60]

Hello Celat06, Yes it is attendance allowance you need to claim if you are over 65. I am surprised you were not advised to make a claim when you were assessed for pension credit as DWP usually do a benefits assessment when you reach 65. You can now fill a claim form in on line then they send it to you to check and sign. Age UK can help with forms if you are not sure as can many local council benefit advice offices if you have one. The forms ask quite personal questions and many of them, but don't be daunted and emphasise the bad things of your illness.

[onamission]

Sounds like a good benefit wait till Atos get there hands on it lol

[termite]

Attendance Allowance is not means tested and fro folk over 65 who need additional help to manage their lives.

The claimant decides how to use the money and is easier to claim that DLA.

A lot of forms to fill in but many of them are repeats, but think about the answers and be realistic. Many folk so they don't need help ... but their partner / family help them, which is indeed having help even though you may not pay them e.g. do you need help cooking a meal ... some folk answer 'no' because their family cook fro them, so the answer should of course yes, same for shopping etc.

There are many services available free that will help you complete the forms but please don't be daunted by them, just think about how you would cope if you had no family / friends to help.

Good luck

[CELAT06]

Thank you, that's very helpful.