Question regarding attendance allowance

BuzzerButton

good evening all. It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I originally used the boards to ask for help regarding my mums pip. However, my dad has early onset dementia. He has had it for a few years now, and with my mums recent decline in health, I now intend to claim carers allowance. I will return to work after a crisis to a smaller contract hopefully. I am going to do it for him, so I am going to need to claim attendance allowance first. At the beginning of it, it says if I have power of attorney, I can claim the attendance allowance to my bank account. I do have LPA for his health and finance, but I haven’t registered these with any company’s yet. So although I do have an LPA for finances, I haven’t registered to his bank to change anything. Could I still get his attendance allowance in my account? Many thanks in advance for your help and advice.

Zipz

I don't know. However, you have an LPA and now is the time to register it with banks. Request third party access and a debit card. That way you can administer your Dad's finances from his accounts. You don't mention your own financial circumstances but if you are claiming any means tested benefit you don't want your Dad's AA going into your bank account.

BuzzerButton

thank you so much for your reply. That’s really helped clarify the urgency of my situation. I may be back with more questions regarding the LPA, but for now, thank you again. I will just put his account details down and start the LPA process for his bank.

Kimi87

Age Concern may be able to offer advice in this area

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/contact-us/

BuzzerButton

thanks so much for your comment. Age Uk helped a little with my mums. I did the bulk of her pip myself, as the wait time was incredibly long, and went past my deadline. They definitely said that they don’t help with AA, which is part of the reason I’ve put it off so long. It’s another big application, and caring for the both of them and working pt has just put me off. We need it now, circumstances have changed. Mums health declined and I need to stay home more with my dad’s paranoia. Thanks again.

Kimi87

You could see if another organisation locally can help:

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

Do get yourself a carer assessment and have your parents care needs assessed as well, if you haven't already. And if that is something you've done, don't be afraid to go back and get new assessments if their needs have increased/health declined.

https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/help-from-social-services-and-charities/getting-a-needs-assessment/

https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/

BuzzerButton

thanks Kimi87. That’s great advice. I will definitely look into that further.
I am a more worried about my dad’s situation right now. But it’s next on my list.
Following zips advice, I’ve tried to register the finance loan. I’m awaiting the banks response.
I’m now wondering when I should register the health one - and with who? I’m guessing I should go online to activate it, and then what? Should I call his doctors and tell the receptionist to log it? My dad can still function a bit. Should I register it now or wait until he is deemed unfit?

Kimi87

With the health LPA it is only active when your Dad has lost capacity.

There is nothing to stop you making his GP surgery aware at this point that one exists.

BuzzerButton

thanks for your reply (really appreciate your advice) So should I register it online with the code so it’s there?

Kimi87

You'd need to ask his surgery whether they want sight of the paper document or will accept an online code.

BuzzerButton

hey kimi, I can’t find where I wrote to you before about as and carers. You recommended turn2 us. That’s what I plan to do, thanks for your advice.