Attendance allowance taking a long time

grayshoebury

Hi there and wonder if anyone else has experience of how long it takes for a claim? My mum's forms went off at end of April 2022 and after calls to the DWP asking for status, they told me it went on system on 17th May 2022 and we are still waiting for a answer. I was told there is a large backlog and cant give me a idea of when the claim will be processed. As I am now her full time carer as she has severe cognitive impairment, I cant get any carers allowance or universal credit until she is actually in receipt Attendance allowance. Wonder if anyone else having same delays? Thank you

poppy123456

Timescales are between 8-12 weeks, sometimes longer. It's unlikely an assessment will be needed as most don't have them when claiming AA. Once a decision is made they'll send the decision letter. If successfully awarded payment usually goes into your bank before the decision letter is received.

grayshoebury said:

 I cant get any carers allowance or universal credit until she is actually in receipt Attendance allowance. Wonder if anyone else having same delays? Thank you

In the meantime have you checked entitlement to UC? You don't have to wait until the AA decision before claiming it. If you live with a partner you claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have savings of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. Use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=a0f0905d-6200-408b-9df7-50edb4b761e3

grayshoebury

Thanks for your reply Poppy, I did attend 3 interviews at job centre as I had to give up my work abroad to stay in UK and look after my mum now. But my job coach said until my mum actually gets attendance allowance and I get carers allowance I will be required to look for work or go on courses and fulfill all my commitments etc. So I cancelled my claim as I cant devote that kind of time with how bad my mum is now and the around the clock care she needs now. So will try again for universal credit once the attendance allowance is awarded, hopefully as its now almost 3 months since they had it, they can do it soon. Once again thanks very much for your reply. It seems claiming UC when a carer is down to each job coach when one is in process of getting Attendance allowance, I guess I just got a non sympathetic one, so once I can prove my mum is getting it I wont need a job coach.

ShirleyW

I applied for Attendance Allowance at the end of January 2022.

Approximately 5 weeks later the first payment was in my bank account and the award letter arrived by post a few days later.

It seems strange to me that such a big backlog has built up so quickly. 

I know there are backlogs for other disability benefits but those delays seem to be because of the need for a physical assessment.   An assessment is rarely required for Attendance Allowance. 

Maybe try ringing again and see if you can speak to someone more knowledgeable.  The backlog excuse seems to be a stock answer but it's the 1st time I've come across it regarding Attendance Allowance. 

grayshoebury

Thanks for your reply Shirley, I chased them up a couple of times now and last time I spoke they said backlog meant it was taking between 6-12 weeks. I shall give it until the 17th Aug and then its been exactly 3 months since my mother claim was put on the system and I will then contact my local mp and see if that can move things along.

poppy123456

I know of a couple of people that claimed recently and it took them about 10 weeks from applying to having a decision.

L_Volunteer

How are things going for you at the moment @grayshoebury? I appreciate it has been a little while since you last posted on this thread now.

I hope things are going well for you at the moment. If we can do anything to support you though please don't hesitate to let us know 

Almal

All posts and comments all dated August 2022, has everything now ceased to function

poppy123456

Almal said:

All posts and comments all dated August 2022, has everything now ceased to function

We don’t often get many threads regarding Attendance Allowance. Was there anything you want help with?