Refused attendance allowance

AttAllShank

Hi. I helped my mum complete a claim for AA. She lives with dad, has had diagnosed dementia for a few years and needs constant supervision.
Claim was refused because she didn't say she needed personal care, toileting, dressing etc
I thought it was granted for supervision. Dad drives her everywhere, looks after everything, cooks, reminds her of pills am/pm. She can dress herself and go to loo alone but can't be left alone generally.
I phoned to debate refusal but they said she must need personal care to qualify.
Please advise as it says care OR supervision on your site

KxMx

Did you get any outside help filling in the forms? 

Did you emphasise what she cannot do, and what the consequences are if she isn't supervised constantly?

You can appeal the decision and I strongly recommend getting help from local welfare rights.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/services/age-uk-advice-line/

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Stage 1 is asking them to look at the decision.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/challenging-a-decision-by-the-dwp-or-hmrc/challenging-a-benefit-decision-mandatory-reconsideration/

Stage 2 is appealing to an independent appeal tribunal if the decision remains unchanged. 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/challenging-a-decision-by-the-dwp-or-hmrc/appealing-against-a-benefit-decision/

elsien

You might find this information clearer.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/siteassets/documents/factsheets/fs34_attendance_allowance_fcs.pdf

Have you properly appealed the decision? I suspect your form didn’t tick the boxes for type of supervision, why it was needed, what the risks are if it’s not given et cetera. 

So for example if you simply said dad drives her everywhere, that’s really unclear as to why that’s necessary and it could just be that she can’t be bothered walking. Whereas if you say she’s at risk of walking into the road if not supervised, or a high risk of falls,  that’s clearer as to why the help is needed,