How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance in the UK: A Step-by-Step Guide

Navigating the application process for Attendance Allowance can seem daunting, but with the right information, it can be a straightforward and manageable task. Attendance Allowance is a government benefit designed to support individuals who are over State Pension age and need help with personal care due to physical disability or health condition (mental health condition). Whether you require assistance during the day, night, or both, this benefit can provide the financial support needed to help maintain your independence.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the process—from obtaining the correct forms to gathering the right supporting documentation, and finally, submitting your application. You'll also learn what to expect from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) as they assess your application, and what to do if your claim is denied. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to apply for Attendance Allowance and maximise your chances of a successful application.

Attendance allowance is designed to help adults over the state pension age stay independent where they have physical or mental supervision needs. For a successful benefit claim look no further than this guide.

If you have not yet reached State Pension age, please refer to our advice on Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you are approaching State Pension age, you can apply for Attendance Allowance from the day you reach it.

If you are trying to get support for a child, please refer to Disability living allowance.

Please note, you need to live in Great Britain to be eligible for this means tested benefit.

How to claim Attendance Allowance: The Application Process Explained

Applying for Attendance Allowance involves a few key steps, but by preparing in advance, you can make the process much smoother. Here’s what you need to know:

Obtain the Attendance allowance claim form

The first step in applying for Attendance Allowance is to get the official application form (Form AA1A). There are several ways to access the form:

Download it online: Visit the GOV.UK website and download the form here.

Request it by phone: Call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to have the form sent to you by post. Lines open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.

Textphone service: If you are hard of hearing, use the textphone service by dialing 0800 731 0317.

Prepare in Advance: What You’ll Need

Before you begin filling out the attendance allowance claim form, it’s a good idea to gather the necessary information and documents. This will make the process smoother and help ensure your application is accurate and complete. Here’s what you should prepare:

• Details about your health condition, physical disability or mental disability: Be ready to explain how your illness or disability affects your daily life. Think about your worst days, as well as typical days, and write down key points about the help you need with personal care.
• Medical documentation:Gather any medical records, letters from healthcare professionals, or reports from specialists that describe your condition and its impact.
• Prescriptions and care plans:If you’re on regular medication or have a care plan, it’s helpful to have this information on hand to support your application.
• Support from carers or relatives:If someone helps you with personal care, ask them to provide a letter that details the type of assistance they offer and how frequently.
• Your National Insurance number:and other personal details.

We have also written a user guide to the Attendance Allowance form which you may find helpful.

Claiming Attendance Allowance if You’re Terminally Ill (Special Rules)

If you are diagnosed as terminally ill, meaning your doctor believes you may have less than six months to live, you can apply for Attendance Allowance under special rules. You will be awarded Attendance Allowance at the higher rate and the attendance allowance decision will be fast-tracked past the standard assessment process.

Here’s how the special rules work:

Get the DS1500 Form:

Your doctor, consultant, or healthcare professional should complete a DS1500 medical report, which confirms your diagnosis. You do not need to see the form yourself if you prefer not to. The healthcare professional can send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Filling Out the Attendance Allowance Application:

You (or someone helping you) should still complete the standard Attendance Allowance form, but make sure to indicate that you are applying under the special rules. This fast-tracks the process and avoids lengthy assessments.

No Assessment Required:

When applying under special rules, you won’t need to attend any medical assessments or fill out the detailed parts of the form about how your condition affects your daily life.

Higher Rate Payments:

If you are eligible under the special rules, you will automatically receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, which is currently £101.75 per week (as of 2023).

Quick Decision:

The DWP aims to make a decision on claims under the special rules as quickly as possible, usually within a few days of receiving your application and the DS1500 form.

Completing the Attendance allowance claim form

When you’re ready to fill out the form to claim attendance allowance, take your time and provide as much detail as possible about your condition and the care you need. Some tips to help you complete the attendance allowance claim form:

Be Thorough: Don’t downplay your needs. Describe how your condition affects your daily life, particularly on your worst days.

Explain fluctuating conditions: If your condition varies day-to-day, make sure to explain this clearly in your application.

Get help if needed: If you're unsure how to complete the form, seek advice from a friend, family member, or support organisation. You can speak to someone on the Attendance Allowance helpline.

Gather Supporting Documents

In order to receive attendance allowance, you will need to provide supporting documents that evidence and back up your claim.

This might include:

Letters from doctors, consultants, or other specialists involved in your care.

A detailed care plan if you have one.

Evidence of medications, treatments, or assistive devices you rely on.

A written statement from your carer, family member, or friend who helps you with your personal care or supervision needs.

Submit Your Application:

Once you have completed the form and gathered all the necessary documents, you’ll need to send everything to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The address is provided on the form.

Submit by post: You cannot apply online for Attendance Allowance, you have to send your application by post. It's a good idea to use registered mail or obtain proof of postage so you know it has been received.

Wait for the DWP's Decision:

After submitting your application, the DWP will review your form and any supporting evidence. They may contact your healthcare providers for additional information or, in some cases, ask you to attend a face-to-face assessment (although this is less common with Attendance Allowance). The decision usually takes up to 8 weeks.

Challenging the Decision (if necessary):

If your Attendance Allowance application is denied, or if you believe the amount awarded is incorrect, you have the right to challenge the decision. The first step in this process is to request a mandatory reconsideration. This means that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will review your application again to ensure that the correct decision was made.

For more information about reconsiderations and appeals see Attendance Allowance Appeals

How to Request a Mandatory Reconsideration

You must request a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter. The one-month deadline is strict, so it’s important to act quickly if you disagree with the decision. Here’s how to go about it:

If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to challenge it. You need to ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on your decision letter.

Review the decision letter:

Read the decision letter carefully. It will explain why your claim was denied or why you were awarded a specific rate of Attendance Allowance. Make a note of any areas you believe were misunderstood or overlooked.

Gather additional evidence:

To strengthen your case, gather any additional supporting evidence that may help clarify your needs or provide further details about your health condition. This could include:

New medical evidence from doctors or specialists.

Additional details about how your condition affects your daily life.

Letters from carers, family members, or other healthcare professionals who help support your claim.

Contact the DWP:

You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration of your Attendance Allowance claim either by phone or in writing. You should explain why you believe the decision was incorrect and reference any new evidence you are submitting.

Keep a record:

If you make your request by phone, make sure to take note of the date, the name of the person you spoke to, and any reference numbers they provide. If you request the reconsideration in writing, consider using recorded delivery to confirm that your letter has been received.

Appealing to a Tribunal

If you’re not satisfied with the outcome of the mandatory reconsideration, you have the right to appeal to an independent tribunal. To do this, you will need to submit an appeal form (SSCS1), which can be found on the GOV.UK website. You must submit your appeal within one month of receiving the mandatory reconsideration notice.

How We Can Help with Your Attendance Allowance Claim or Appeal

We understand that applying for Attendance Allowance or challenging a decision can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a free question and answer service to guide you through the process.

As an independent organisation, we are dedicated to helping you navigate the system and ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to. Whether you’re submitting your initial claim or considering an appeal, our team can provide advice and support every step of the way.

Our goal is to make sure your application is clear, accurate, and includes all the relevant evidence to improve your chances of success. If you’ve been turned down or aren’t receiving the correct amount, we can also help you challenge the decision and fight for what’s fair.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you get the support you need.

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