One of the harder things about getting older is the support we might need to help us with day to day living. The cost of employing someone to help can be prohibitive. There is, however, some financial help from the Government that not everyone may be aware of.
The Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. It helps with extra costs but you do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim. If you have a carer they can apply for Carer’s Allowance. The Attendance Allowance doesn’t cover mobility needs but is tax free.
There are two rates of Allowance depending on the level of help you need. You may get either £68.10 or £101.75 per week to help with personal support if you are physically or mentally disabled and State Pension age or older. The claim involves a rather extensive form but there is help with this via the Attendance Allowance Helpline. Also, Age UK have extensive information and will help you make a claim. You do not have to spend this Allowance on paying for a carer, it is to support you in whichever way you want. You might want to spend it on taxis to the supermarket if you don’t have a car and public transport is difficult. Delivery of meals or money towards heating are some other ways you can utilise the Allowance.
Please click on the links below to access further information about claiming this useful Allowance.
