Attendance allowance

Try approaching the Welfare Rights team at your county council and ask whether they can help you fill the appeal form.

I agree with Hillygirl, both my partner and I get AA, but have totally different needs. We are in fact co-carers. I can’t walk much and have to use 2 sticks, I am deaf, have chronic back issues after an operation went wrong. My partner on the other hand is end of life due to cancer and now have. Areas twice a week, but can still do most things.neither of us could change a bed or do gardening. Ace Uk did hours, visited the house and used all the consultants papers for prove of need. They seldom get a refusal as they are experts.

I have had lower end Attendance Allowance for many years now but when I applied for upper end was refused.
I have to use a walker and in severe pain in both knees because of severe arthritis which started twenty five years ago. I have difficulty in getting in and out of bed made worse because I have to get out and in every two hours to urinate.
I am alone apart from an hour or two daily although help is available at the end of a phone. I cannot stand without hanging on to something with one hand.
I cannot understand why some people get a lot of help and others not.

Borrheid55

I had a chat with DWP the other day about this. If you need help with ‘bodily functions’ several times a day and particularly at night, you should be eligible. I am housebound due to a balance issue ( permanently) but because I can look after myself in the house, I don’t qualify for AA. I can’t go out on my own as I am at risk of falling but AA isn’t for outside issues. It is for needing help with washing, dressing, loo visits etc. I was told if things change to reapply. You can add to the mandatory reconsideration form if the decision hasn’t been made. Good luck!

Please do not take benefit from DWP! Go to an independent advice agency like Citizens Advice! If you have a balance issue that stops you going out then I really doubt it causes you no issues in doors! Eg do you struggle standing in a shower or lifting pans of water often people assume that the compensations they have to make mean they can manage but the rules are around reliably, regularly and safely!!

I receive AA first for day only then after 6months I applied for night as well. Reason being that I applied for night as I kept losing my balance and the stairs are near our bathroom I was afraid of falling down the stairs and also the problem of getting to the loo. When I applied things like getting a meal ready, doing the ironing, help getting in the shower without falling we’re all taken into consideration. A local disability group helped me fill in the form and were brilliant. So just get some help and anything you can’t do, how ever little put it down.

www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/attendance-allowance/before-you-claim-attendance-allowance/check-if-entitled-to-attendance-allowance/

JanT8

Please get Age UK to help, they sent out one of their advisers to our home and her help made all the difference.
Don’t forget these people are used to dealing with those forms, whilst you’re not.

Totally agree…they helped me no end…my first application was also refused.

My neighbour, aged 73, receives AA. He has cancer, but its not stopping his way of life. he is independent, walks the dog, goes to a supermarket driving himself. He can still do decorating. He was told by MacMillan, who applied for it, that its his to spend as he pleases. He buys a lot of scratchcards ! He was also given a blue badge. However, my sister in law, too has cancer and is quite poorly and certainly needs it and does receive it. She is housebound now and has carers and has had to stop driving. That money for her pays for carers and a lifeline. That l can understand , but him???