Did you know that if you are aged 65 or over and have a disability that means you need someone to help look after you, you could be eligible for a weekly benefit? Not everyone is aware of Attendance Allowance but this extra money could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit available to people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to having a physical or mental disability. It can be used in any way you wish to help you stay independent, such as an at-home carer or making modifications to your home.
There are two different rates which are based on two different levels of care. The current rates (April 2018 to April 2019) are as follows:
• £57.30 for those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night
• £85.60 for those who require help or supervision throughout both the day and night, or are terminally ill.
You could also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or even a Council Tax Reduction if you receive Attendance Allowance.
Who is eligible?
Attendance Allowance is available to people aged 65 or over who have a physical disability (for example: blindness or arthritis) or mental disability (such as dementia or learning difficulties) meaning they need help caring for themselves. To be eligible, you must have needed this help for at least six months.
Examples of needing help include: washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, being prompted to take your medication, or help with seeing or communicating your needs. It could also mean that you need someone to check on you regularly during the day to avoid danger to yourself or others, for example, if you have memory loss, suffer from seizures or are in danger of falling.
Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, and doesn’t take into account any other benefits you get, or your savings. However, you may be required to attend an assessment to check your eligibility. If you are terminally ill, there is no qualifying period for how long you’ve had your illness, and if you’re eligible, you’ll automatically get the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.
Find out more
Here at Unique Senior Care we want older people to be able to stay in their own homes for as long as possible – and we are therefore wholly in favour of Attendance Allowance. Whether you put this allowance towards a carer or towards something else that will help your quality of life at home, this extra money can help you stay independent in the place you are happiest for longer.
Read more about Attendance Allowance here: www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance
