Attendance allowance advice - should I claim

rsx

I am looking at if m grandma would be eligible for attendance allowance, she has arthritis, bad varicose veins and a few other health conditions, she's suffers from pain alot in her neck, shoulders, arms and legs. I'm wondering if she would be eligible as she doesn't have a carer, she needs help with things and if she doesn't ask for help and does them herself she will be in pain. I just wanted to hear other people's experience of claiming it and if it would be worth applying for her 

calcotti

There's useful guidance here
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/
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/globalassets/age-uk/documents/factsheets/fs34_attendance_allowance_fcs.pdf

Having difficulty and needing help (regardless of whether or not she actually gets help) are what is considered.

With AA there isn't an assessment as with PIP. Complete the form and return it. Provide as much detail as possible with examples where possible. DWP may call to clarify some points but then a decision is made. 

rsx

@calcotti great thankyou, I'll deffinatly apply, I didn't realise there was no assessment and didn't want to waste time having one of she wasn't eligible 

janer1967

Hi 

You could self refer her for a care needs assessment as well 

An ot will come and assess and see if they can recommend any adaptions equipment or care she needs 

You can self refer on gov website 

Charles

I agree, you should submit a fuller application as possible and, I believe, there is a good chance of success 

rsx

@janer1967 thankyou, I'll look into that for her..

@Charles thankyou

mikehughescq

Forget about the conditions and their location initially and focus oh her ability to perform bodily functions. Think about whether she can do so reliably, repeatedly and in the absence of pain. Then think about whether her needs are attention/supervision or both. Then finally have a look at whether those issues occur with sufficient frequency to meet the attention or supervision criteria.