Help please on Attendance allowance

pink_princess

I have never even heard of this benefit before and would like a little advice please.

I am trying to read up about attendance allowance but I am finding conflicting information.
I need to know if it is means tested and also the criteria for qualifying if it is means tested.

Torry_Quine

pink_princess wrote: »

I have never even heard of this benefit before and would like a little advice please.

I am trying to read up about attendance allowance but I am finding conflicting information.
I need to know if it is means tested and also the criteria for qualifying if it is means tested.

It isn't means tested and is given to those over the age of 65 who have significant care needs

pmlindyloo

Yes, it's not means tested so you could be a millionaire and still get it! (though hopefully you wouldn't apply)

It is based on care needs not mobility.

The best fact sheet I have read is here:

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en-gb/factsheets/fs34_attendance_allowance_fcs.pdf?dtrk=true

pink_princess

pmlindyloo wrote: »

Yes, it's not means tested so you could be a millionaire and still get it! (though hopefully you wouldn't apply)

It is based on care needs not mobility.

The best fact sheet I have read is here:

http://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en-gb/factsheets/fs34_attendance_allowance_fcs.pdf?dtrk=true

Thanks to you both for the replies, it is a comfort to know it is not means tested.

I'll read that fact sheet.

pink_princess

The fact sheet mentions a disability test, does anyone know what this comprises of?

Torry_Quine

pink_princess wrote: »

The fact sheet mentions a disability test, does anyone know what this comprises of?

If the completed form and any medical reports are deemed not enough then there may need to be a face-to-face medical before a decision can be made.

pink_princess

Torry_Quine wrote: »

If the completed form and any medical reports are deemed not enough then there may need to be a face-to-face medical before a decision can be made.

Thanks, so it is not a must have a medical, Just a they may want to do one.

I can't see that being needed, it is a terminal illness. The McMillan nurse just asked us today if our family member was claiming this or not.

pmlindyloo

pink_princess wrote: »

Thanks, so it is not a must have a medical, Just a they may want to do one.

I can't see that being needed, it is a terminal illness. The McMillan nurse just asked us today if our family member was claiming this or not.

There is a specific procedure for those with a terminal illness. Look at 4 (3) in the fact sheet.

thorsoak

pink_princess wrote: »

Thanks, so it is not a must have a medical, Just a they may want to do one.

I can't see that being needed, it is a terminal illness. The McMillan nurse just asked us today if our family member was claiming this or not.

We had experience of this when OH was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Your Macmillan nurse or doctor can sign the supporting diagnosis on the form - there is no medical involved, and you should hear fairly quickly that the person concerned does get it.

Torry_Quine

pink_princess wrote: »

Thanks, so it is not a must have a medical, Just a they may want to do one.

I can't see that being needed, it is a terminal illness. The McMillan nurse just asked us today if our family member was claiming this or not.

In that case there will be no need for anything other than the form. A claim will be made under the special rules as they are terminally ill.