Attendance Allowance

[Roy46]

I have had GCA for this past four years and may possibly now have PMR. Am I entitled to claim Attendance Allowance?

[Rose54]

HI

Yes you can apply but its not awared on any illness but on what help you need

their are two rates

lower one need help during day

Higher rate needs help both day and night

You can get Attendance Allowance if you’re 65 or over and the following apply:

you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both

your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety

you have needed that help for at least 6 months (unless you’re terminally ill)

It really depends on how much help you need

Thay could say Preds will keep it under control

You got nothing to lose by trying

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You can certainly try, but they turned me down (twice) when I applied (GCA), so not a given.

I seemed to me the paperwork seems to concentrate a lot on your mental ability rather than physical, but it was a few years ago, so it may be different now!

I think some of the problem may arise because the illness is not well understood, and the assessors do not appreciate how debilitating it can be.

Have a good read through the application form, and try and get an appointment with your local CAB to talk it through, they will help.

But until you try, you won’t know!

[SheffieldJane]

I would never dissuade anyone from applying. It will depend greatly on how incapacitated your conditions make you. It is a benefit designed to pay someone to care for you - basic things like a bath and getting dressed.

[Roy46 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks to SheffieldJane, DorsetLady and Rose54 for your replies. It seems highly unlikely that I'd be successful in claiming AA. I know it's nothing ventured, nothing gained, I don't have the energy to battle through bureaucracy, so I'll park the idea.

[Telian]

The girls have said it all and I understand your reluctancy to apply, maybe when you feel more mentally up for the challenge you will apply - nothing ventured as they say, plus the more people applying lets them know this illness is out there!

Best wishes Roy.

[Mgt1234]

Hi Roy, when and if you feel able to reconsider applying for attendance allowance, check out .. benefitsandwork.co.uk

They have provide a lot of information which is very useful. There is also a forum where people kindly share their experiences. You don’t need to subscribe to the site unless you want access to the detailed guides. I have been a member for a number of years, what I have learnt is that how you write your application can make such a difference, it’s all in the detail.

Best wishes.

Margaret

[Mike1964]

Hi Roy46. May I ask where you live? I work in floating support for the over 65's and do 100's of AA forms. Many areas will have peoples/organisations to help fill in the forms. Personally I would never recommend anyone to complete themselves, It's definitely a case of knowing from experience the key words the decision makers are looking for.

[Roy46 in reply to Mike1964]

Many thanks to Mgt1234 and Mike 1964. I'll be seeing my rheumy in a couple of months and take his advice as to my problem. I may then revert to you both if there is a chance of AA

[Mike1964 in reply to Roy46]

Hi Roy. No worries, message me any time If I can be of help. Best of luck with your journey, Mike.

[Roy46 in reply to Mike1964]

Hello Mike. Its a few months since we exchanged. Since then I've seen my rheumy, who wasn't much help. He said I have atypical PMR, which means I have and haven't got it! Plus I'm now suffering from serious back and shoulder pains, which makes driving difficult and life almost not worth living. So I'll press on with an AA claim.

You mentioned peoples/organisation who can help fill in the form. That would be so useful. I live in Essex, just outside Epping, but can get to London if necessary.

Look forward to hearing from you. Regards, Roy

[Mike1964]

Morning Roy, sorry for the slow response. I will have a look around to see if I can find any specific organisations near you, failing that Age uk are quite good. I will respond further in a day or two. Kind regards, Mike. P.S. my Rheumy is frankly bloody rude, you have to laugh, you wait ages to see one then think what was all that about! 🤔

[Roy46]

I echo your view about rheumy, we almost had a shouting match! I'm trying to get an appointment to see an orthopaedic consultant re my shoulder etc pains, but told I'll have to wait until next spring/summer. In the meantime I've taken the expensive route of going private. Regards Roy

[Mike1964]

Hi Roy

I've had a look around, not very inspiring I'm afraid. As I mentioned, Age UK on 0800 055 6112 is a good starting point, they will (Hopefully!) have advisers in your local area, worst case scenario they do some very good DIY guides. Failing that CAB might be worth a shout.

If you have no luck with the above give me a shout, I'd be happy to give you my number and go through a few questions with you, It's not difficult you just have to know what they are looking for!

Kind regards, Mike

[Roy46]

Thanks Mike.

Mgt1234 suggested I log into the benefitsandwork web page. I did so an found that there's a claims pack available on 0345 605 6055. I called the number and it turns out to be the Dept for Work and Pensions. I ordered a pack and its winging its way to me. I'll check through that and see where that leave me.

Regards

Roy