Top tips for filling out an attendance allowance form

Attendance allowance is granted to those people over 65 who require personal care assistance. The form for applying can be very long and difficult, so it’s a good idea to ask a friend or relative to plan it with you. To help, here are some top tips.

Have the accompanying notes in front of you

Whether you have a paper version of the form, or a filling it online, make sure you also open the accompanying notes, which will assist you to fill in the form. If you can, print the notes off, as it’s useful to be able to refer to them as you go along. The forms are also available in larger print and braille for those who are vision impaired.

Get the GP to support your application

Speak to the relevant GP before completing the form and ask them to agree to speak to the Department of Work and Pensions about the application is they are contacted. This will prevent unnecessary hold ups later in the process.

Provide ALL the information you can

Give as much detail as you can in the form and don’t worry about putting in too much. It’s important to provide as a full a picture as possible. Specifically,when thinking about the assistance you or your older relative might require, think about the worst days rather than the best days, so you don’t underestimate the care you might need. This should include:

• Help with personal hygiene, i.e. washing
• Help with the toilet. Are there any incontinence issues during the day and /or night
• Help with dressing and undressing
• Help preparing food
• Help carrying food
• Help with eating
• Help with sorting and taking medicines
• Help with mobility around the home, including using the stairs, getting in and out of chairs and in and out of the bath. Think about the type of aids and home adaptation which might help. In particular, you should try to assess the risk of falls
• Help with visual or aural impairment
• Help with dementia

Who signs the form?

Make sure that a relative fills in the section at the end of the form, which asks for someone else’s view on the situation, as this will help you to get a positive outcome. You can ask your GP  to do this for you if you do not have a relevant friend or relative who can do it for you.

If you are helping an older relative to fill out the form, make sure the sign it personally, unless you have been granted Power of Attorney over them

Mail not email

The form must be posted, not emailed.

How to apply for Attendance Allowance?

Call 0345 605 6055 to ask for a form or download it here or fill out an on-line version here. Please note that on-line forms must be printed and posted.

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