Can You Claim Attendance Allowance If You Have a Terminal Illness in England or Wales?

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people aged State Pension age or over who have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision. It is designed to help with the extra costs of needing care due to illness or disability.

Claiming Attendance Allowance with a Terminal Illness

If you have a terminal illness in England or Wales, you can still apply for Attendance Allowance. The official guidance confirms that there is a specific way to claim if you are nearing the end of life, for example because you have a life-limiting illness. This means the process recognises your situation and can be handled accordingly.

When applying, you will need to provide details such as your National Insurance number, your contact information, and information about your health condition or disability. If you are in a care home, hospital, or hospice, you should also include those details.

How to Apply

• You can apply online through the official government website.
• Alternatively, you can apply by post by printing and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form.
• If you prefer, you can request a claim form by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline.

For terminal illness claims, the application process is the same but may be prioritised or handled with sensitivity due to the nature of the illness.

Start Date of the Claim

If you apply online, your claim starts from the date you make the claim. If you apply by post, it starts from the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives your form. If you request a form by phone and return it within six weeks, your claim starts from the date of the call.

Important Considerations

• Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income or savings do not affect eligibility.
• It is available to those living in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland (with a different process in Northern Ireland for those nearing the end of life).
• In Scotland, a different benefit called Pension Age Disability Payment replaces Attendance Allowance.
• Having a terminal illness does not guarantee entitlement; your need for help with personal care or supervision is the key factor.

If you disagree with a decision about your claim, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration, which is a formal review of the decision by the DWP.

Official reference: https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim. Always check the latest official guidance. Related forms: Browse our form category.

Important: This article provides general information. Government rules, forms and procedures can change, and this article may not reflect the latest updates. Check current GOV.UK guidance or the relevant authority before relying on it. ITG & Co. is independent and is not affiliated with a government department.