Help for dad

calcotti

Brie said:

There are different levels of AA and perhaps he would qualify for the lower level at this point.  This might include things like the fact he may need help getting food to the house because he can't drive or can't walk from the bus stop with heavy bags.  It's not a huge amount of money but it might be useful.

There are two levels. The lower level if help is needed in the day or in the night only, a higher level if help is needed both day and night.

AA is about the need for help carrying out personal care. Driving and carrying the shop is not part of the consideration.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/before-you-claim-attendance-allowance/check-if-entitled-to-attendance-allowance/

Marjrie

Pollycat said:

calcotti said:

Pollycat said:

calcotti said:

Pollycat said:

From GOV.uk
Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It does state on there:

You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

I'm not sure if the forms are clear on that as it's some years since I completed them for my Mum.

The guidance notes that go with the form are clear
"Even if you are not actually getting the help you need, you can still get Attendance Allowance."

I would have that that would be the case.
So, it's odd that the OP thinks her Dad isn't eligible as he lives alone and another poster says he/she knows other people who think they aren't eleigible.

Because people often reach conclusions without reading the information available!

Should be a lesson learned.

I have looked at the Attendance Allowance requirements, I don’t think he will qualify as not only because he lives alone, he’s fiercely independent and apart from gardening or decorating he manages quite well. He does get out of breath because of his heart condition.
His biggest worry is managing his money. I already said this earlier but it must have been missed

sammyjammy

I don't think it was missed, obviously your Dad should claim all that he is entitled to but he has £34k in savings, what is he planning on spending that money on?  He needs to perhaps change his mindset and use that money to improve his life a little so he can stop worrying about money.

Pollycat

Marjrie said:

Pollycat said:

calcotti said:

Pollycat said:

calcotti said:

Pollycat said:

From GOV.uk
Attendance Allowance: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It does state on there:

You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

I'm not sure if the forms are clear on that as it's some years since I completed them for my Mum.

The guidance notes that go with the form are clear
"Even if you are not actually getting the help you need, you can still get Attendance Allowance."

I would have that that would be the case.
So, it's odd that the OP thinks her Dad isn't eligible as he lives alone and another poster says he/she knows other people who think they aren't eleigible.

Because people often reach conclusions without reading the information available!

Should be a lesson learned.

I have looked at the Attendance Allowance requirements, I don’t think he will qualify as not only because he lives alone, he’s fiercely independent and apart from gardening or decorating he manages quite well. He does get out of breath because of his heart condition.
His biggest worry is managing his money. I already said this earlier but it must have been missed

My point was made because you said in your original post:

he lives alone so wouldn’t get attendance allowance.

It was a generic comment that people should check the rules of eligibility.

There are very useful (but not infallible) benefit checkers here:
Benefits calculators - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Newly_retired

Today I helped an elderly gentleman with his AA form. He has some serious sight loss but manages very well. He lives alone, with only occasional help. It took some teasing out of areas he said he had no difficulty with, as he is so resourceful.  I got him to explain what resources he uses to cope eg a gadget which buzzes to tell him when a mug is full, a system to organise his medication etc. He did not see it as needing help, but I am pretty sure he should qualify.
i hope this helps someone.

slowcars

sammyjammy said:

I don't think it was missed, obviously your Dad should claim all that he is entitled to but he has £34k in savings, what is he planning on spending that money on?  He needs to perhaps change his mindset and use that money to improve his life a little so he can stop worrying about money.

Maybe the £34k is his total savings and may want to be able to pass the balance on after his funeral expenses have been paid.
It's quite normal for the elderly to 'put a bit by' so that any children may have a small legacy. In a way it's what we have done just so that our grandchildren have something from us. Yes, we could spend it all on holidays etc, but to us helping family out following death takes priority. 

ader42

His priority should be his quality of life whilst he is around.

He may have property to leave as inheritance that eclipses the savings.

elsien

slowcars said:

sammyjammy said:

I don't think it was missed, obviously your Dad should claim all that he is entitled to but he has £34k in savings, what is he planning on spending that money on?  He needs to perhaps change his mindset and use that money to improve his life a little so he can stop worrying about money.

Maybe the £34k is his total savings and may want to be able to pass the balance on after his funeral expenses have been paid.
It's quite normal for the elderly to 'put a bit by' so that any children may have a small legacy. In a way it's what we have done just so that our grandchildren have something from us. Yes, we could spend it all on holidays etc, but to us helping family out following death takes priority. 

I’m fairly sure most people’s families prefer their parents to have a comfortable quality of life and not be worrying about paying the bills rather than scrimping to  into pass a  “legacy” on. 

If the OP’s dad is getting the winter fuel allowance, council tax single person discount, plus the cost of living towards the bills it’s hard to see why his savings are dwindling fast? 

sammyjammy

slowcars said:

sammyjammy said:

I don't think it was missed, obviously your Dad should claim all that he is entitled to but he has £34k in savings, what is he planning on spending that money on?  He needs to perhaps change his mindset and use that money to improve his life a little so he can stop worrying about money.

Maybe the £34k is his total savings and may want to be able to pass the balance on after his funeral expenses have been paid.
It's quite normal for the elderly to 'put a bit by' so that any children may have a small legacy. In a way it's what we have done just so that our grandchildren have something from us. Yes, we could spend it all on holidays etc, but to us helping family out following death takes priority. 

I was suggesting he use it to make his life a little more comfortable, not blow the lot on a holiday or two.  If he wants to keep this money for an inheritance this is his choice but on making this choice he also chooses to make life difficult for himself, the state will not pick up the gap and quite right too.

Pollycat

sammyjammy said:

slowcars said:

sammyjammy said:

I don't think it was missed, obviously your Dad should claim all that he is entitled to but he has £34k in savings, what is he planning on spending that money on?  He needs to perhaps change his mindset and use that money to improve his life a little so he can stop worrying about money.

Maybe the £34k is his total savings and may want to be able to pass the balance on after his funeral expenses have been paid.
It's quite normal for the elderly to 'put a bit by' so that any children may have a small legacy. In a way it's what we have done just so that our grandchildren have something from us. Yes, we could spend it all on holidays etc, but to us helping family out following death takes priority. 

I was suggesting he use it to make his life a little more comfortable, not blow the lot on a holiday or two.  If he wants to keep this money for an inheritance this is his choice but on making this choice he also chooses to make life difficult for himself, the state will not pick up the gap and quite right too.

+1 to this.

My sister and I encouraged our Mum & Dad (in their 70s at that time) to spend their money on themselves. They'd both worked hard during their lives.
They enjoyed coach holidays around the UK and had many happy memories and mementos from those times.

As the saying goes "you can't have your cake and eat it".