Query re attendance allowance

No, you mustn’t do that. You would be complicit in fraud and I’m sure you don’t want to be a criminal.

Put the money away for the day when you do need more help

It is very important that if someone helps you fill in the Application Forms for AA it must be done accurately, and explained to you before you sign.
It can be difficult to obtain, especially for night care.
Without knowing your health and circumstances it is hard to comment on.
AA is only granted for those who need help with personal care, but can be spent as you please.

I think you should speak to the DWP about this straight away. The person from Age UK might have thought she was being helpful but she’s actually helped you to unwittingly commit benefit fraud! Yes you should have checked what she put down before signing the form but for goodness sake get this sorted out without delay. Also tell Age UK about it before she ‘helps’ someone else. You will be OK so long as you explain the error to the DWP straight away.

The lady at AgeUk was completely right and very helpful! My late DM was insistent that she didn't need help dressing or anything else personal, but she just wanted help in the house and garden like you. Having the heavier housework and gardening taken care off was beneficial to her health, and her safety, and was the right thing for her, as it is for you.

The people that help you fill out forms know how to answer the questions in order to get help otherwise it is declined. The amounts are set and can't be changed - you either get the basic allowance or higher if you have a lot of care needs. Agree with Elizabeth but don't query it as you will end up with nothing. My Mum gets lower rate which helps her pay for the garden and for cleaning from life care. She needs me to help a lot with finances, shopping, pads, shower etc.

Needing help with gardening and cleaning does not qualify you for Attendance Allowance as it is based our your personal needs, but once awarded, you are free to spend the money on paying for a cleaner or a gardener or however you wish.

If you were not happy with what was written on your claim form, why did you sign it as correct?
Without knowing more about your health and well- being, it is impossible for us to know whether you were entitled to AA.
I would suggest having another word with AgeUk and discuss your dilemma with them, but the person who helped you should have gone through the form with you and completed it accurately and you should have checked it before signing and sending it. Sorry to sound harsh.

Without the need for personal care you would not be entitled to any help, the lady was being kind knowing that you did need help with other things. If you tell them you do not need personal care you will not get help at all. If you feel guilty give the excess to charity