Attendance allowance

antjos1

Hi all.

I am 66 female and claiming my state pension and have been poorly with epilepsy for over 12 years. My partner is 67 and he is claiming state pension plus PIP enhanced rate. Before I became 66 I was claiming carers allowance for my husband but that stopped when I became 66. I have been advised that I could claim attendance allowance for my condition. Can I claim for attendance allowance even if my husband is on PIP.

Any replies much appreciated. 

Newly_retired

Carer’s Allowance is an overlapping benefit with state pension, so when your pension started you would no longer get any CA money, even though you have an underlying entitlement.
You could certainly claim Attendance Allowance for yourself, regardless of whether your husband is on PIP or not, if you meet the criteria.  Have you checked if you might be entitled to Pension Credit? Given that you both have disabilities you might be eligible.

calcotti

Yes you can. To claim AA you need to require frequent help to look after yourself.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/

Are you or husband currently claiming any means tested benefits? Although you have stopped receiving Carer’s Allowance (because you now receive your State Pension you should retain an ‘underlying entitlement’ to it. That can increase your means tested benefit entitlement.

If you are awarded AA and nobody else lives with you and your husband your possible entitlement to means tested benefits could increase further soot would be sensible to get a full benefit check done.

antjos1

We claim housing benefit and council tax reduction 

calcotti

antjos1 said:

We claim housing benefit and council tax reduction 

Both of those should currently include a carer premium in the calculation of your entitlement (due to your underlying entitlement to CA). 

If you are awarded AA, no other adult lives with you and your husband and nobody receives CA for looking after either of you then you will become entitled to a double Severe Disability Premium which could mean you become entitled to some Pension Credit even if you are not entitled at the moment.