Attendence Allowance

mr_stripey

Hi there. My father who is in his 80's has been in deteriorating health over the last year or so culminating in a series of falls (or rather, collapses) between December and now resulting in hosptal stays etc. As part of the discharge package he generally gets a care package for a week or two and then he seems able to carry. He can't walk far or drive but sort of manages himself, albeit with some difficulties.

He has just arrived home from another hospital stay and had a letter from the DWP saying he has been awarded Attendance Allowance. I'd never heard of this before, and he doesn't recall applying for it as such. Obviously the money would be very useful and would help him to hire a cleaner etc.

The info on the website says you have to be both over pension age (yes) AND registered disabled (which I don't think he is, but he certainly is in ailing health).

Is Attendance Allowance intended for someone in his position?

Thank you

JGB1955

Attendance Allowance is not means related and is paid on two different levels according to need.  Someone HAS applied for it..  Yes, it's intended for someone in his position. https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility says nothing about being registered disabled ...

calcotti

There is no such thing as registered disabled although it is possibly to register with specific disabilities.
Attendance Allowance eligibility is explained here. https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility
From what you have said he is likely eligible.
He would not have been awarded AA unless someone applied for it.
I suggest doing a full benefit check. Depending on his income and living circumstances he may be Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction if his income is low (also Housing Benefit if he rents).
You may also want to look at a Blue Badge.

mr_stripey

thank you both. i've no real experience of benefits like this. It's amazing if he is entitled to some support, although we never expected it in any way!

Rubyroobs

Now that he has been awarded AA, it is possible for someone also to claim carers allowance for looking after him if they meet the criteria. bear in mind though that if he was awarded pension credit he would not be entitled to the severe disability premium if someone were to claim carers allowance.

calcotti

OP try a benefits calculator https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators or see if your local Citizens Advice can do a benefit check for you.