Benefits for the person you care for
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit for people aged 65 or over who are physically or mentally disabled and need help with personal care or supervision to remain safe. The claimant can get Attendance Allowance even if they live alone or do not have a carer.
Attendance Allowance is not means tested and there are no national insurance contributions tests, and it is paid in addition to other benefits in most cases.
The claimant has to fill out a self assessment form and may require help from a professional to do this. If the claimant is a client of Social Care and Health, a member of staff such as a Social Worker or a Welfare Benefits Information Officer can help. Alternatively other organisations like CASS, Age UK or the Citizens Advice Bureau can help. Additional medical information may also be required.
The claimant is eligible if:
- They are over 65
- They are living alone or with others
- They require help and assistance
- They have experienced difficulties through an illness or disability for at least the previous six months (prior to the claim being made).
- They are terminally ill and therefore do not have to satisfy the 6 month qualifying period.
Two rates of payment:
- Lower – for people requiring care either during the day or night.
- Higher – For people requiring care during both the day and night
Attendance Allowance is not payable to those who stay in hospital for more that 28 days.
More information:
Direct Gov Attendance Allowance
Carers UK Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance (Factsheet UK1015) April 2010
NHS Carers Direct – Attendance Allowance
Disability Living Allowance
Disability Living Allowance is a benefit for adults (under 65) and children with disabilities; who need help looking after themselves and those who find it difficult to walk or get around. They don’t need to have someone looking after them to qualify.
Disability Living Allowance is tax free, not means tested and there are no national insurance contribution tests. It is paid in addition to any earnings or other income received. It is almost always paid in full on top of Social Security Benefits or Tax Credits.
Disability Living Allowance comprises of two parts:
- A Care Component – if the claimant needs help looking after themselves or supervision to keep safe.
- A Mobility Component – if the claimant can’t walk or find it very hard to walk or need help getting around.
Some people are entitled to receive just one component, while others may get both.
The Care Component and the Mobility Component are paid at different rates depending on how the disability affects the claimant.
Receipt of Disability Living Allowance may increase the amount of other benefits e.g. Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Rates of payment are awarded in two components and at different rates:
Care Component:
High rate, Middle rate or Low rate.
Mobility Component
A High rate or a Low rate.
Changes in circumstances
Changes to circumstances can affect whether a person should get Disability Living Allowance or the amount they get. This includes if the care or mobility needs change, if the person on DLA goes into a National Health Service (NHS) hospital or a care home, or if they go abroad to live or visit. It is important that they contact the office that deals with their payments.
More information:
Direct Gov Disability Living Allowance – DG10011731
Direct Gov Disability Living Allowance – DG10012424
Carers UK Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance (Factsheet UK1015) April 2010
NHS Carers Direct – Disability Living Allowance
How to claim:
Direct Gov Disablity Living Allowance – DG10011925
Return to Benefits
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