Attendance Allowance

Strawberry47

i had Bowel Cancer in 2009 when I was 62 but didn't claim DLA.  Now at 69, although I am cancer free (cross fingers), I am beginning to experience many age/stress related problems.  I checked Attendance Allowance notes and it stated that I did not need to actually have physical help in order to claim. I filled in the form and have been rejected on the grounds I did not prove I needed help!  I have appealed and requested a assessment but am still awaiting a reply. I checked the PIP checklist and I scored 8 on the care list.  What more can I do please?

ScopeHelpline

Hi Strawberry47

It isn't always easy to get an award of Attendance Allowance. The benefit is paid to the most disabled people, namely those who need help with their personal care. As you suggest, this doesn' t need to be physical help but it does need to be help with personal care, so for example, it would be help to communicate or to mix with other people or to deal with business letters.

The general principle is that to qualify for Attendance Allowance,  a person would need to require frequent help from another person during the day, or during the night, or or both day and night. 

I hope this throws some light on the issue.  Call the Helpline if you need more detail or would like to discuss whether it's likely that you would qualify. We are on 0808 800 3333 from 9 to 5 week-days.

Best wishes
Gill
Scope Helpline