Lots of people are entitled to a benefit called Attendance Allowance but don’t know enough about it to claim.
You need to be state pension age to claim Attendance Allowance and you also need to have a disability or illness that makes it hard for you to look after yourself. You won’t be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP, DLA and Adult Disability Payment.
Attendance Allowance isn’t means tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you get or how much you have in savings. It won’t affect your state pension and you can claim it if you’re still working. It is also tax free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, and by claiming it, you may open entitlement for extra help.
You could get £72.65 or £108.55 a week – the amount you get will depend on how much help you need. You can spend the money however you like – it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
You’ll need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice office so don’t let the form put you off applying.
You can either phone 0800 731 0122 for an application form or download a form on GOV.UK.
When you receive the form, if you would like assistance filling it out please give Citizens Advice a call.
For further information and advice on Attendance Allowance or any other issue please give Citizens Advice Central Nottinghamshire a call on 0300 5610330 or visit www.ca-centralnotts.org.uk. They can inform you of their drop-in session availability or arrange to call you back with further advice.