Here at Honest Senior Care we know that financing care can be a daunting prospect for all involved, especially with the cost of living rising. A type of financial aid that you or your loved one may not be aware of and may be entitled to receive is Attendance Allowance. If you or your loved one are eligible to receive Attendance Allowance, this could help significantly with the cost of care if needed, to allow you or your loved one to remain as independent in the comfort of your/their own home.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 and over who need help or assistance with personal care due to having a mental or physical disability. The money can be used however you want, and you don’t have to be receiving care to get it. You could choose to have care visits at home, have help around the house or add modifications to your home to increase your independence.
The two different rates available are as follows:
£61.85 per week for those needing frequent help or constant support in the day or supervision at night.
£92.40 per week for those needing help or supervision throughout the day and night, or if you are terminally ill.
If you receive Attendance Allowance you may also be entitled to extra Pension Credit, a reduction in Council Tax or Housing Benefit.
Who can get Attendance Allowance?
You can receive Attendance Allowance if you are over the age of 65 and have a mental disability (e.g. Dementia, Alzheimer’s or a Learning Disability) or a physical disability (e.g. Arthritis, Blindness or Parkinson’s) that may mean that you need help caring for yourself (and have done for the last 6 months or more).
Things that you may need help with could be washing, dressing, using the toilet, eating, drinking, taking medication or help with communication. Alternatively, you may need someone to check on you regularly if you are at risk of falling, have memory loss or have seizures.
Attendance Allowance isn’t means tested, therefore it doesn’t take any savings or assets into consideration. You cannot receive Attendance Allowance if you already receive Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment.
How do I get Attendance Allowance?
Please visit www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim for more information on how to claim this benefit.