Effect of new Attendance Allowance on Pension Credit?

Be_Happy

An elderly relative has just started receiving Attendance Allowance and was telling me what a difference the extra amount, around £60 a week made.

I know that she has been receiving Pension Credit, but only the Savings Credit as a very small pension from her deceased husband puts her over the Guarantee Credit limit. I thought the new Attendance Allowance would move her into Pension Credit (Guaranteed).

I'm wondering whether Pension Credit is notified about the Attendance Allowance by the relevant department, of if she has to contact Pension Credit department herself.

Obviously I don't want to mention this to her until I'm sure of my facts. Any info would be appreciated.

margaretclare

It won't affect her other income. AA is non-means-testable and non-taxable.

Good luck to her. The extra money will make a difference to her quality of life, as it's meant to do.

As it's paid along with her normal pension, the relevant departments are aware of it.

pmlindyloo

If she is entitled to the severe disability premium with Pension Credit this then might make her eligible for the guarantee part of Pension credit.

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/pension-credit-pc

She should tell then that she has been awarded AA.

Be_Happy

Thanks for info. I read through link and she is entitled to the severe disability premium.

Phoned her daughter, who is sure her mother's pension credit has been increased and that she is probably confused about the 2 increases, but she will visit her mother tomorrow to check bank statements.

margaretclare

She will probably have had a letter detailing the AA.