Claiming Attendance Allowance

Claiming benefits often has a stigma attached to it, especially with the older generation feeling reluctant to submit claims. Matt Hunt from Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre (DUWC) wants to encourage people to speak to them to see if they are eligible for Attendance Allowance and to claim the benefit if they are entitled to it.

[@Bertie_Ahern]

In theory an elderly person who needs 24/7 care and is unable to eat, drink, move or wash by themselves should be able to claim AA. But in reality we know it's going to be essentially impossible to claim, given how they always make these things such an intentional nightmare and traumatic process. I just don't have the energy to go to tribunals over and over and go through all that stuff and deal with their lies when I'm already unable to sleep and struggling to afford to feed either of us.

[@paulward2552]

Never go alone to the assessment

[@JohnOgilvy-w9r]

I’ve just spent just over three weeks in hospital from a serious stroke, on release told, you’ll receive visits from health care workers and also care in the community So far I’ve seen no one. Unfortunately i live in Scotland,maybe that is the problem .

[@paulweir5031]

Once you receive Attendance Allowance you can spend the money as you wish, it doesn't have to go to, eg, a partner who helps you; the DWP aren't going to ask for accounts showing how the benefit was spent. I think this chap is optimistic re the time it takes for a claim to be successful, mine took 10 weeks, but having said that the money is back paid to the date of the claim. So far as a stigma being attached to a claim I must say, from experience, that apathy and an ' I wouldn't get it ' attitude are the main causes of people passing up the chance of extra money. AA rates are currently £61.85 lower and £92.40 higher, rising in tax year 2023/4 to £68.10 and £101.75 respectively.

[@leftyken]

One point that needs to be made is that if you are getting towards pension age then applying for PIP makes sense. You cannot get it if you are over 66, but if you are in receipt of PIP before that age, it will carry on. PIP, of course, has a mobility component which AA doesn't.

[@suzannehaigh4281]

I was but they stopped it immediately before stating I had been lying, I was not, so lost everything.

[@kerang9240]

Thank you Matt for the info. love you xxxx

[@suzannehaigh4281]

My doctors decided I was not deaf any more after loosing my hearing over 30 years ago so I lost my small benefit. Why did they do this? because the receptionist could not be bothered to read my medical records and did not even ask me for dates when I had operations etc. I am still deaf but now not entitled to anything because lazy staff just could not be bothered to do their jobs.

[@joline2730]

Claim again ... and TELL them you are still deaf ‼️

[@suzannehaigh4281]

@@joline2730 What is the point? My medical records at the present doctors only go back 4 years so record of me being deaf.

[@joline2730]

@@suzannehaigh4281 but you are deaf NOW : what's the point? Are you rich? I am deaf (and have been since birth) and have only just made a claim - 7 weeks ago, got the lower amount 👍👍 As I say, you are entitled to it, it's yours, it's for you to spend as you wish, don't be so silly, make the claim and fight for it. I don't think they even contacted my doctor ... 🤔🤔

[@Jayen4]

@@suzannehaigh4281 Your hospital records go back more than 4 years ! I would re-claim AND push for backdating to the original date due to the original staff incompetance !!

[@jeancurr5807]

What happens if you get standard pip can you still apply?

[@nickparker4253]

Very helpful video but the fact is the form is 30 pages long! I have received the form from the DWP and just sitting here with it all I am thinking is my wife and I have coped

[@nickparker4253]

Sorry posted before the end. We have coped with my type 1 diabetes, osteoporosis back pain lymphoma without help so why should the government give me money now?

[@joline2730]

@@nickparker4253 because you are ENTITLED TO IT. Yes the form is quite long but it is just a tick box type form saying mostly Yes or No. Easy Peasy - get that money NOW

[@nickparker4253]

@@Kit-if3fb Many thanks for your comment. I did manage to complete the Form and submit a claim. The result was amazing as I was awarded allowance at the higher rate. This has made such a difference knowing that I have an extra £100 a week towards my weekly budget.

[@christinephipps8236]

if you ring them you can ask for someone to visit you and fill the forms in for you they will and they may be able to tell you if qualify.@@nickparker4253

[@Ramblingpete]

So what your saying is Richard Branson could claim no way even though he pays millions in tax

[@michaelmaycock5655]

Attendance Allowance is easily abused and those issuing it are unconcerned about the scams that are being done on a regular basis. I know an elderly couple who BOTH claim it yet just the two of them live together. So how can a person 'needing' someone to help them around the house etc also be the person who is 'helping' another person likewise.

[@tinastimson7005]

Two people claim AA in their own right. It doesnt matter who provides the support or care but the person who is elligible for AA gets it.

[@michaelmaycock5655]

@@tinastimson7005 to be eligible for AA you must need support from someone either all day or all night. How can you be that person to another if you need it yourself. What I'm saying is that these people 'knowingly' claimed AA supposedly because they couldn't cope on their own yet THEY knew that nobody would be paid to attend because they didn't need it. The whole system is a scam vulnerable to people who know how to abuse it because there's no check over if the money is actually being used as it's given. I know for certain that each has gone away for a time, overnight, and left the other on their own.

[@junejeffery28]

Just like to ask a question. If you have had more problems since receiving attendance allowance,is it possible to go over to the PIP

[@JamesLochridge-u1h]

Or the service randomly decides you're not entitled to it without explanation.

[@anthonyshepherd2173]

I tried to claim AA. PROFOUNDLY Deaf. Also many other health conditions.

[@philipdunn-z3j]

thanks for rasing peoples awarness on this as i have found it very hard to find out what benifiits that i can claim now that i have reached pension age, as the system cut me dead when i reach pension age.

[@maureendoogan4219]

Hi there I have pip daily living component couldn't go through another assesment in 2016 and lost my mobility component. Should I apply for Aa as I have RA, OA knees feet, thyroid problem, fybromyalgia, hearing impaired would benefit from switching if you can.

[@jimwalker5412]

I made an application, it was refused, Ive suffered with PTSD and Bi - polar for most of my life, and although they say a claimant can make an application if they suffer with a physical or mental health condition, DWP still dismissed my claim, I have objected and a tribunal is now the next stage, has anyone any tips for when I attend the tribunal as its a bit daunting.

[@garethgriffiths8428]

There will be someone there to speak on your behalf, so don't worry. They are on your side and and will guide you on what you need to do which is nothing really, just answer any questions the magistrate ask you. Remember always reply as it's your worst day! If some day's you can't get up, can't eat, wash yourself, or get to the door for one reason or another, this is your answer!! Don't be polite or embarrassed, be truthful. Good luck. Don't worry. It'll be fine! 👍♥️

[@noreenrichardson679]

I advise you to take someone with you, I was in tears with the way I was treated.

[@susanheywood4132]

My husband has copd 48% capacity peripheral neuropathy and asthma he struggles to walk very far has to sit down , his application was rejected .

[@trupaktarmac]

can you claim this if you are on PIP.....

[@anthonyshepherd2173]

Too many immigrants running Attendence Allowance

[@tonygreaves2266]

No

[@tonygreaves2266]

No

[@sandrawilcox4718]

£23000 your can have in bank is the cut off amount if you own your own home plus £23000 no chance was told today by ss

[@Luna_tic68]

I didn't think they asked about saving ect?

[@ronrichardson3103]

My brother claimed it . fair enough he didnt own his own home and was in rental property. At 82 he had multiple marriages and divorces. behind him after a lifetime of the RAF .but he did have a lot of money invested for his family for when he was gone. Amounting to over £80k . But that was his wish. . he lived frugally himself spending very little. And the lucky people to benefit on his demise had never even met him so i was told . He just wanted to change someones life.

[@Joe74854]

That’s rubbish it’s not means tested it claimed on your ability to do everyday tasks or are looking after someone

[@ValerieMechen]

They dont.​@@Luna_tic68