How to Fill In the Attendance Allowance Form: Step-by-Step Help

Attendance Allowance is a UK benefit for people who have a disability or health condition that requires extra help with personal care or supervision. It is available if you have reached State Pension age and live in Great Britain (England or Wales). If you live in Scotland, you should apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead. Here is practical guidance on completing the Attendance Allowance claim form.

1. Obtain the Form

You can apply online or by post. If you choose the postal route, you can either print the form from the official website or request a paper copy by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline. The helpline can also provide advice if you have questions while filling in the form.

2. Gather Required Information

Before you start, have the following details ready:

• Your National Insurance number
• Your full address and contact details
• Details about your disability or health condition, including how it affects your daily life and what kind of help you need
• Information about your GP surgery or medical centre
• If you are currently in a care home, hospital, or hospice, their details

3. Filling in the Form

The form includes sections where you will describe the difficulties you have with personal care tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, or moving around. It also asks about how your condition affects you during the day and night.

Be specific and realistic: Explain the help you regularly need, how often you need it, and whether you need supervision to avoid danger. For example, if you sometimes forget to take medication or need prompting to prepare meals safely, include these details.

There is no need to exaggerate or only mention your worst days, but if your condition fluctuates, describe how often and how severe these fluctuations are.

4. Submitting the Form

If you apply online, your claim starts on the day you submit the application. If you send the form by post, the claim start date is the day the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives your form.

If you requested the form by phone, your claim start date is the day of your call, provided you return the completed form within six weeks.

When posting, use the Freepost address provided with the form and do not add any other address details, stamps, or postcodes.

5. After Sending Your Claim

You should receive a letter or text within about three weeks confirming when to expect a decision. Once a decision is made, you will get a letter explaining whether your claim was successful and details of your payments if awarded.

6. If You Disagree with the Decision

If you think the decision is wrong, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration. This is an official review of your claim by the DWP before you can appeal further.

Additional Notes

• If you live in Scotland, do not use the Attendance Allowance form; instead, apply for Pension Age Disability Payment.
• The form includes notes to help you complete each section. Reading these carefully can clarify what information to provide.
• Keep copies of your completed form and any correspondence for your records.

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.