Attendance allowance

Maurice123

Hi All
Some time ago a couple of you were kind enough to suggest that I might be entitled to attendance allowance. I have now applied and been turned down. Their reasons are quite strong. I have to have carers day/and or night on a full time basis. I have only lost my right leg and only use carers that I pay for. Being taken out, shopping, gardener, and cleaning. I am perfectly capable of doing my own cooking and do not need help in dressing or washing. Am I applying for the wrong benefit or am I not entitled to any? Any suggestions are very welcome.

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Maurice123

I'm sorry you are having such trouble with it all. In all honesty, the benefits process is mind-boggling to me too. I found this information on the GOV website. If you go through and tick all that applies, it should tell you what benefits your are entitled to. Sorry if it has been suggested to you before.

bg844

You should request a Mandatory Reconsideration, AA is not awarded based on you paying for carers. Other members will advise but I wouldn’t give up on that at this stage.

calcotti

https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility

You can get Attendance Allowance if you’ve reached State Pension age and the following apply:

• you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both

• your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety

• you have needed that help for at least 6 months (unless you might have 6 months or less to live)

If you think you meet that test then request a Mandatory Reconsideration of the decision. Shopping, cleaning, cooking etc are not part of the test. The test concerns personal care.

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/

You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night (even if you don’t currently get that help):
- with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- to stay safe
You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. It might help if you compare how you do the personal tasks now to how you used to do them.

poppy123456

Maurice123 said:

 Being taken out, shopping, gardener, and cleaning. I am perfectly capable of doing my own cooking and do not need help in dressing or washing.

Based on that there maybe no entitlement to AA.

Puja

Perhaps look on 
https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/attendance-allowance/ 

also citizens advice 

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/

age uk

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/attendance-allowance/

look at the descriptors and have a chat with them to see if you can appeal it or not? 

calcotti

look at the descriptors and have a chat with them to see if you can appeal it or not? 

There are no descriptors, just a general judgement of help required.

OP has already been advised he can request a Mandatory Reconsideration if he wishes.

calcotti

Maurice123 said:…I have to have carers day/and or night on a full time basis. 

The requirement is a need for frequent help throughout the day and/or night. You don’t need to be actually receiving the help to qualify.

Maurice123 said:... Am I applying for the wrong benefit or am I not entitled to any?

You are not applying for the wrong benefit. As you are pension age the only disability benefit you can apply for is AA. The fact you are eligible doesn’t mean that you are entitled - it depends on your level of need.