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Are you 65 years of age or over?
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Do you have an illness or disability?
If you have answered yes to these questions, you may qualify for extra money to help towards the cost of your disability.
If you are aged under 65, please see the information on Disability Living Allowance (DLA). |
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a benefit paid to help people with the extra costs of disability. The following information outlines the rules for Attendance Allowance that gives you extra money if you need help with personal care as a result of a mental or physical disability.
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Why claim AA?
AA gives you extra money that:
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is not taxable
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is paid on top of all other benefits
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is paid on top of earnings
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does not reduce means tested benefits such as Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. (You may actually get more of these benefits.)
AA is:
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not means tested, so your income and savings are not taken into account
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non-contributory, so you don't have to have paid any national insurance contributions to qualify
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How much am I entitled to?
From April 2008, the weekly rates are:
Entitlement for Attendance Allowance
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Rate
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Disability test
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Amount
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Low rate
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Day or night-time
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£44.85
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High rate
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Day and night time
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£67.00
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Conditions of entitlement
You must:
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be aged 65 or over
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satisfy one of the disability tests
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have satisfied the test for 6 months before you claim.
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Disability tests
Help throughout the day
You will pass the disability test if:
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you need frequent attention throughout the day in connection with your bodily functions
or
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you need continual supervision throughout the day in order to avoid substantial danger to yourself or others.
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Help during the night
You will pass the disability test if:
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you need at least 20 minutes attention in connection with your bodily functions
or
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you need attention in connection with your bodily functions at least twice
or
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you need another person to be awake for the purposes of watching over you in order to avoid substantial danger to yourself or others
People who are terminally ill may qualify under 'special rules'. A friend or relative can apply on their behalf.
The high rate of AA is paid automatically. There is no need to satisfy any of the disability tests.
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Attention needs
You may need attention if, because of an illness or disability, you have difficulty:
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dressing or undressing
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using the toilet
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getting into or out of chairs
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taking showers or baths
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taking medicine
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walking indoors
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getting into or out of bed
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eating or drinking
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hearing
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seeing
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Supervision/watching over needs
You may need supervision or watching over if your illness or disability means you:
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are unsteady on your feet
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might fall
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might have fits or blackouts
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are forgetful
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might become mentally confused
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might wander away from home
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may put yourself or others at risk
It is your reasonable need for attention or supervision that matters. You can still qualify if you live alone and do not get help.
If you live alone and dress yourself, but only slowly and with difficulty, then you may benefit from someone getting your clothes, helping with fastenings etc. It is the fact that you have difficulties that matters, not whether you have someone helping you. If in doubt, claim!
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Making a claim
Claim forms for AA can be obtained by calling freephone 0800 882200 and asking for an AA claim pack.
Filling in the form
The form looks very long and complicated. It is best to take your time, consider the questions and give as much detail as you can about your difficulties.
A useful tip is to keep a diary of the difficulties you have and what help you need. If you have problems because there is no one to help or keep an eye on you, note this down as well.
Our service can help you fill in the form. Please phone our helpline on 01324 501404 to make an appointment. Before coming to your appointment you should read through the form and fill in your personal details.
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Disputing the decision
If you are turned down you have the right to dispute the decision. The time limit is one month. A Welfare Benefits Officer can help you - call the helpline on 01324 501404 for assistance.
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