Attendance Allowance: how we supported Mr and Mrs K

Mr and Mrs K from Wiltshire are both retired. They were referred to our Financial Wellbeing Team because they were struggling to pay their rent and other day to day bills. Mr K has significant health issues and was unaware he might be entitled to benefits to help him pay for the extra costs associated with being poorly.

The team helped the couple to claim Attendance Allowance and Housing Benefit. The benefits were also back dated for a period of time giving the couple a lump sum. This was money they had long been entitled to but weren’t aware they were able to claim.

They are now over £200 a week better off and able to pay for the care they need and the occasional treat as they continue to live with their ill health.

Having paid tax and national insurance for all their working lives, they are now getting what they deserve and what they need to continue living independently in their Aster home. We wish then well and look forward to supporting more customers.

Can you benefit from Attendance Allowance too?

Did you know that if you are claiming state pension and you need additional support from someone to help you with your day to day needs, you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance like Mr and Mrs K?

Attendance Allowance goes unclaimed by many thousands of older people, and we want to help change that.

If you have a physical or mental disability and you need daily help, and you have needed that help for over six months, it is worth making a call to the Attendance Allowance helpline. To note, however, if you are already receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) then you won’t be able to also receive Attendance Allowance.

If you, or someone you know is in receipt of their state pension and has had care needs due to a disability for over six months, then we recommend you call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. You can also contact via textphone on 0800 731 0317.

The government website also has some helpful information. Or you can contact your local Age UK charity for advice on 0800 678 1602.

Our Financial Wellbeing Team can also help with a range of benefit issues and help you to get the benefits you are entitled to.