Disability Benefits

This is a general guide always check with the appropriate agency for up-to-date information If you want advice about benefits, or advice and help with appeals contact your social worker, or local County Council's Social Care Department. The Social Care Department is independent of the DWP. You can also get advice and help from disabled organisations. If you need help filling in the claim forms you can get help from your local social security office, or Citizen advice bureau.

Attendance allowance

Attendance allowance can be paid to a person with a disability who: - Is aged 65 or over; and is not permanently in hospital or living in accommodation provided by or funded by a local authority; and has lived in the UK for 6 out of the last 12 months, actually lives in the UK when s/he claims and normally lives in the UK, unless s/he is terminally ill; and has care needs.

Care needs

A person will have care needs if s/he needs help with ‘bodily functions’, for example, washing, dressing and going to the toilet. It can also include help which enables someone to take part in social activities; and/or needs supervision to stop her/himself being a danger to her/himself or others; and/or is terminally ill. It does not matter if no one is providing the person with care, but s/he must show that s/he needs the care. If you are not sure whether your care needs meet the entitlement conditions, you should consult an experienced adviser.

How much will the claimant get

Attendance allowance is paid at two rates the lower rate is paid to somebody who needs frequent care throughout the day or night. Attendance allowance will be paid as long as the person has care needs and may be awarded for a fixed or indefinite period. It cannot be paid until the person has had care needs for six months. This time limit does not apply if the person is terminally ill. Attendance allowance will stop after four weeks in hospital.

How to claim attendance allowance

A person can claim attendance allowance by telephoning the Benefits Enquiry Line (BEL) and obtaining a claim pack by completing leaflet DS704, available from post offices and social security offices. Some organisations are also authorised to hold packs, for example, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux. Or you can obtain a claim pack from the Web Site www.dwp.gov.uk.