How to Complete Attendance Allowance for a Parent

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care or supervision. If you’re helping a parent to claim Attendance Allowance, it’s important to understand the practical steps and what information you’ll need to provide on the form.

Applying for Attendance Allowance

You can apply online or by post. If your parent lives in Scotland, they should apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead, as Attendance Allowance is not available there.

• Online application: The claim starts from the date the application is made online.
• Postal application: You can print the claim form or request one by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline. The claim starts from the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives the form.
• Claim form by phone: If you request a form by phone, the claim date can be the date of the call, provided the completed form is returned within six weeks.

Information You’ll Need to Provide

The form asks for details about your parent’s health condition and the care they need. You should gather:

• Their National Insurance number
• Address and contact details
• Details of the disability or health condition requiring extra help
• Information about their GP surgery or medical centre
• If applicable, details of any care home, hospital, or hospice where they are staying

Be as clear and specific as possible about the kind of help your parent needs, including how often and what type of assistance they require. This helps the decision-maker understand the level of care needed.

Filling in the Form

Attendance Allowance is for help with personal care or supervision because of health problems. When completing the form:

• Focus on your parent’s actual needs, not just their diagnosis.
• Explain any difficulties with tasks such as dressing, eating, moving around, or communicating.
• Mention if they need help during the day, night, or both.
• Include any risks if they are left alone, such as confusion or wandering.

If your parent’s condition varies, describe how often they need help and how reliable their ability to manage is on a typical day, not only the worst days. Absence from home (for example, hospital stays) does not necessarily affect the claim.

After You Apply

You should receive a letter or text within about three weeks explaining when to expect a decision. Once the decision is made, a letter will confirm whether Attendance Allowance has been awarded and when payments will start.

If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration, which is a formal review of the decision.

Where to Send the Form

If applying by post, send the completed form to the Freepost address provided on the form or official guidance. Do not add a stamp or write anything else on the envelope.

Summary

Helping a parent complete an Attendance Allowance claim involves gathering accurate details about their health and care needs, choosing the right application method, and providing clear descriptions of the help they require. Keep copies of all documents and note the dates of application and correspondence. For the most up-to-date and detailed guidance, always check the official Attendance Allowance page on GOV.UK.

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.