Your step-by-step guide to claiming attendance allowance for someone with dementia

When dementia enters your family's life, the financial pressures can feel overwhelming. Between care costs, time off work and the general upheaval of daily life, money worries often add to an already stressful situation. That's where Attendance Allowance comes in – a benefit specifically designed to help people over 65 who need extra support due to physical or mental health conditions, including dementia.

The good news? Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested, which means it doesn't matter how much money the person you care for has in savings or what other income they receive. It's there to help with the extra costs that come with needing care, and claiming it could make a real difference to your family's financial situation.

Who can claim attendance allowance?

Attendance Allowance is available for people who meet specific criteria. Your loved one must be 65 or over and have a physical or mental disability – including dementia – that means they need help with personal care or supervision to keep them safe.

The key requirement is that they've needed this help for at least six months, or if their condition is terminal, they're expected to need care for the remainder of their life. For people with dementia, this often includes help with washing, dressing, eating, getting around safely or needing someone to keep an eye on them during the day or night.

They generally need to be living in Great Britain to be eligible, though there are exceptions for members of the armed forces and some other specific circumstances. They also can't be receiving similar care funding from other sources, such as NHS continuing healthcare.

It's worth noting that receiving Attendance Allowance can also open doors to other support. Many councils use it as a 'passport' benefit, meaning it can help your loved one access additional services or discounts they might not otherwise qualify for.

Understanding the two payment levels

Attendance Allowance comes in two rates, and understanding the difference can help you know what to expect. The lower rate is currently £72.65 per week, whilst the higher rate is £108.55 per week. These amounts do change over time, so it's worth checking the latest figures on the government's Attendance Allowance page when you apply.

The lower rate is for people who need help or supervision during the day, or during the night, but not both. For someone with early-stage dementia, this might mean they need reminding to take medication, help with managing money or someone to check they're eating properly during the day.

The higher rate is for people who need help or supervision during both day and night. This often applies to people with more advanced dementia who might wander at night, need help with personal care throughout the day or require constant supervision to keep them safe.

Don't worry too much about deciding which rate applies – the assessment team will make this decision based on the information you provide about your loved one's daily needs.

Step-by-step application process

Getting started with your Attendance Allowance application doesn't have to be daunting if you break it down into manageable steps.

Step 1: Get the application form

You can download the Attendance Allowance claim form from the government website or call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0317 to request one by post. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Step 2: Gather the information you'll need

Before you start filling in the form, collect together your loved one's National Insurance number, details of their GP and any specialists they see, information about their medication and a clear picture of how their dementia affects their daily life. You might find it helpful to keep a diary for a week or two, noting down what help they need and when.

Step 3: Complete the form thoroughly

This is perhaps the most important step. The form asks detailed questions about your loved one's care needs, and it's crucial to be specific about the help they require. Don't just write "needs help with washing" – explain that they need someone to remind them to wash, help them get in and out of the bath safely and check they've cleaned themselves properly.

Think about both the physical help they need and the supervision required. If they need someone to watch them whilst they cook because they forget to turn off the hob, mention this. If they get confused and upset during personal care, include this information too.

Step 4: Include supporting evidence

Whilst you don't need to provide medical evidence with your application, it can be helpful to include a letter from your loved one's GP or consultant if they've recently assessed their condition. Any reports from occupational therapists, social workers or other healthcare professionals can also strengthen your application.

Step 5: Submit your application

Once you've completed the form, send it to the address provided. Keep a copy for your records and make a note of when you posted it.

What happens after you apply

After submitting your application, you should receive an acknowledgement within a few days. The Department for Work and Pensions will then review the application, which typically takes 8-12 weeks, though it can sometimes take longer.

In some cases, they may arrange for a healthcare professional to visit your loved one at home to assess their needs. This isn't something to worry about – the assessor is there to understand how dementia affects your loved one's daily life, not to catch them out.

If the application is successful, payments will start from the date the claim was received, and any back payment will be included in the first payment. The money is usually paid every four weeks directly into your loved one's bank account.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many applications are unsuccessful simply because families don't provide enough detail about care needs. Avoid writing "varies" or "sometimes" – instead, explain what typically happens on a bad day and a good day.

Don't underestimate care needs because your loved one can still do some things independently. Focus on what they struggle with and what could happen if they didn't have support.

Another common mistake is not mentioning night-time needs. If your loved one gets up confused during the night, needs someone to help them to the toilet or requires checking on for safety reasons, make sure this is included.

Getting help with your application

You don't have to tackle this application alone. Citizens Advice offers free help with benefit applications and can provide guidance on completing the forms. You can find your local Citizens Advice office through their website or call their helpline.

Age UK also provides support with benefit applications and has offices throughout the country. Their advisers understand the challenges families face when dealing with dementia and can offer practical help with form-filling.

Your local council should also be able to provide information about local support services. Many councils have welfare benefits teams that can help with applications or put you in touch with local organisations that provide this service.

If you're already in touch with social services or have a social worker involved in your loved one's care, they may also be able to help or point you towards appropriate support.

Conclusion

Claiming Attendance Allowance might feel like another hurdle when you're already managing so much, but remember that this support exists for families exactly like yours. The process might seem lengthy, but thousands of families successfully claim this benefit every year, and there's no reason why you can't be one of them.

The key is to take it one step at a time, be thorough in describing care needs and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's the lower or higher rate, Attendance Allowance can provide valuable financial support that recognises the extra costs that come with dementia care.

You're not alone in this journey, and claiming the support your family is entitled to is an important part of managing life with dementia. For more information and guidance DementiaNet has resources designed by people who understand what you're going through.