What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care or help to make sure that they are safe. It is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Many blind and partially sighted people who should be getting AA are currently missing out. If you are one of these people, you could be missing out on at least £53 a week tax-free.
Do I qualify for Attendance Allowance?
You may qualify for AA if you need help to do things, like choosing clothes, reading and replying to mail, walking around safely and taking part in social activities. AA is not a means-tested benefit, so it doesn't matter how much other income or savings you have. You can get AA even if you live alone and don't have anyone looking after you; it is your need for the help that is important.
You can spend any AA you receive however you like. It can be paid on top of other benefits and may even increase the amount of other benefits you get.
If you already get Disability Living Allowance you cannot get AA as well. However if you only get the DLA lower rate care component you may be able to get a greater amount - please contact us for advice.
Do I have to be registered blind or partially sighted to receive Attendance Allowance?
No, you do not have to be registered as blind (severely sight impaired) or partially sighted (sight impaired) to claim AA. It is how your sight affects your daily living that counts. Registration can provide evidence of how serious your sight problem is. However, you can provide alternative evidence about your sight problem, such as a letter from your consultant or GP.
If your sight problem is making your life difficult, it is worth thinking about getting registered. This helps to make sure that you don't miss out on other help you can get.
How much Attendance Allowance could I receive?
If your claim for AA is successful, you will receive one of two weekly rates, depending on how much care you need:
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a low rate of £53
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or a high rate of £79.15.
The DWP will take into consideration the care you need during the day, during the night, and how often you need that care. Our factsheet explains more about this.
How to claim Attendance Allowance
For a claim form, call the Department for Work and Pensions' Benefit Enquiry Line for free on 0800 88 22 00. You can ask them for help in filling out the form.
You can also apply for AA through the GOV.UK website.
How can I appeal the DWP's decision on my Attendance Allowance claim?
If the DWP have turned down your claim for Attendance Allowance, or you are unhappy with the amount you have been awarded and believe you are entitled to receive more, you can challenge the DWP's decision. Please visit our benefits appeals page for more information on how to appeal a decision on your Attendance Allowance claim.
Help to claim Attendance Allowance
We want to help all older people with serious sight problems who qualify to make a successful claim for AA. To help you claim AA, our AA form tips page gives you tips for filling out your claim form effectively and we have a factsheet that summarises what you need to consider when completing your form.
If you would like to talk to someone in person about claiming AA, then call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 and one of our specialist advice workers will be able to help you.