Disability Support Project
Financial Support | Benefits Advice | Disability Awareness | Mental Wellbeing
Disability Support & Awareness, Advice and Guidance for Benefits, Tribunals, Applications, Form Filling, Financial Planning and Mental Wellbeing.
Not For Profit charity Ref: 1177602
Attendance Allowance (ESA)
Attendance allowance is designed for those with a severe disability who require someone to look after them. This can contribute towards care costs, e.t.c though will not cover a full-time carers wage. It is also designed for those of state pension age and older, so it may replace some other benefits that you may be receiving.
A typical payment will be between £60 - £89.60 though it may be higher if specific criteria and requirements are met.
As with all the benefits we list on our website, please get in touch if you are unsure how attendance allowance will affect your payments.
Practical Help For Attendance Allowance (AA) Applications
Often those who need attendance allowance (AA) are either unaware they can receive it or do not have the mental capacity to apply for it. As such, the Disability Support Project offer a more practical level of support with attendance allowance applications for the applicant or carer with the following services:
Attendance Allowance - Eligibility
To be eligible for attendance allowance (AA), you will need to meet the following criteria and have reached the state pension age:
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You have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example, blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both.
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Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety.
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You have needed that help for at least six months (unless you’re terminally ill).
You will also need to meet the following:
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Be in Great Britain when you claim - there are some exceptions, such as members and family members of the armed forces
have been in Great Britain for at least two of the last three years (this does not apply if you’re a refugee or have humanitarian protection status). -
Be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
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Unless you're a sponsored immigrant, not be subject to immigration control.
Attendance Allowance - Terminally Ill:
If you are terminally ill and expected to live for less than six months there are special rules that will apply to you:
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There’s no qualifying period for how long you’ve had your illness.
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If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically get the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.
Attendance Allowance - In Care Homes.
If you live in a care home and it is paid for by the local Council / Government, then you will not be eligible for attendance allowance. However, you may qualify if you pay for the care home yourself and meet the previously stated criteria.
Attendance Allowance - Assessment.
Unlike most of the other benefits, you may apply for an assessment is only required if it is unclear how your disability or illness affects you.
If an assessment is required, you will receive a letter advising where you must go. A healthcare professional would need to examine you.
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Need help with your application? - see our Suggested Donations List for this service.