Help & Advice Benefits Older people
Benefits for older people
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a cash benefit for people who are aged 65 or over. The benefit is for their personal care and/or safety. People who have sight impairments are eligible to submit a claim for this benefit.
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance:
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If you need help with personal care, washing/bathing or dressing and things like cooking, reading or replying to correspondence.
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It is not means tested, so it doesn't matter how much other income or savings you have.
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Even if there is no one looking after your needs, or you live alone; it is your need for the help that is important.
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It is entirely up to you how you use the money, and it can be paid on top of other benefits.
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if you already get Disability Living Allowance you cannot get Attendance Allowance as well.
Attendance Allowance is available at a lower rate and higher rate.
Read more about Attendance Allowance on RNIB's website
Read the Government's information on Attendance Allowance
Claiming for Attendance Allowance
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To request an Attendance Allowance claim pack, call the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 If you return the forms by the date stated on the form, Attendance Allowance can be paid from the date of the phone call. Claim forms are also available in accessible formats such as Braille and large print
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You can also claim online.
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Or you can download an Attendance Allowance claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions website.
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Keep a photocopy of your claim form. This can be helpful in case you need to dispute a decision at a later date.
How KAB can help with your claim
KAB Rehab workers can help with completing Attendance Allowance claim forms. Many of the questions on the forms need to be answered so as to give a full account of your needs, including a detailed description of the things you may find difficult to do alone.
Sometimes people need encouragement from a KAB Rehabilitation worker to accept they could do with help with certain tasks. Or they may find it difficult to express the nature of their difficulty.
If you would like to register a claim for Attendance Allowance, please speak to your KAB Rehabilitation worker to find out how they can help you complete the forms.
Contact your local KAB Rehab team
Other benefits for older people
The other principle benefit for older people is Pension Credit. This is a benefit for people who are aged 60 or over and who are on a relatively low income.