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We understand getting the correct advice and information about your rights, the benefit system, debt or anything else can be complex, confusing and constantly changing.

CARF’s A to Z of advice is here to provide clear and comprehensive information on some of the wide ranging topics of advice we help Fife residents with. Starting with…..

ttendance Allowance

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a disability benefit for anyone State Pension age and over. Attendance Allowance is not means tested so it doesn't matter what other money you get. It doesn't matter how much you have in savings either - there's no limit.

It won't affect your state pension and you can claim it if you're still working and earning money.

This means it doesn't matter what other money you get, how much you have in savings or if you are still working and earning money.

Who can get Attendance Allowance?

To be eligible for Attendance Allowance you must:

• have reached State Pension age.
• have a mental or physical illness or disability and need care or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night. This is based on the help you need, rather than the help you are already getting.
• have needed care or supervision for at least 6 months because of your illness or disability.

You will not be eligible if:

• you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority.
• already get Personal Independent Payment (PIP) or if you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care (the ‘care component’ have needed care or supervision for at least 6 months because of your illness or disability.

How much Attendance Allowance can you get?

There are 2 different rates of Attendance Allowance:

Lower rate - £59.70 a week.
You'll get this amount if you need help or supervision during either the day or during the night.
Higher rate - £89.15 a week.
You'll get this amount if you need help or supervision during both the day and night.
How can I spend my Attendance Allowance?
You can spend your Attendance Allowance however you like - it's up to you. Lots of people spend it on something that makes life a bit easier, for example:

• paying for taxis
• helping towards bills
• paying for a cleaner or gardener

How do I claim Attendance Allowance?

You can either phone for an application form or download a form on GOV.UK.
It's best to phone because your payments will be backdated to the date you called, as long as you return the form in 6 weeks. The date you need to return it by will be stamped on the form. If you download an application form, you'll only be paid from the date that the DWP receive the form.

Attendance Allowance helpline:

Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Calls to these numbers are free.

It’s a quick call - you just need to give your name and address. You will not need to attend a medical assessment.

If you feel you need some assistance completing the claim form CARF can help. Just give us a call on 03451 400 095 and we will schedule you an appointment with one of our advisers.