Financial Focus: What is Attendance Allowance?

A cancer diagnosis can have a serious effect on your finances. Did you know that Phil Bremner, our Macmillan Welfare and Benefit Adviser, can provide financial information and support to cancer patients, their families and carers? Phil can talk through all aspects of financial support available and also help with filling in benefit forms.

One of the benefits that may be available to you is Attendance Allowance, which is money available for people over age 66 who need extra help at home due to an illness or disability.

There are two rates dependent on the help you need and you may still be eligible even if you don’t actually get any help.

You may qualify if you have any type of disability (physical or mental) and you struggle with certain aspects of your personal care such as getting washed or dressed or you need someone around to make sure you are safe.

Unless you are terminally ill, you need to have required help for at least 6 months in the past and the expectation is that you will need help for a further 6 months.

You could get either £73.90 per week or £110.40 per week.

Claiming Attendance Allowance won’t reduce any other income you receive and it is tax free.

It isn’t means tested so your income and savings don’t affect your eligibility.

Speak to your Specialist Nurse and ask to be referred to Phil Bremner, our Benefits Adviser to have a chat about your eligibility and assistance with completing the claim form.