WHERE TO GET HELP: ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE, INVALID CARE ALLOWANCE
Attendance allowance
This is a weekly cash sum paid to the disabled person themselves if they need help or supervision because of either physical or mental disability. The money can be spent on anything or anyone and there are two rates, a higher rate if the person needs help day and night and a lower one for day or night attendance only. It is paid on top of any other social security benefits (including DSS residential care home payments in certain circumstances). The carer does not need to be identified.
If you claim attendance allowance you have to show that you have met the conditions about needing attention and/or supervision for six months before the benefit can be awarded to you.
Terminally ill claimant (he/she is suffering from a progressive disease and can reasonably be expected to die within six months as a result of that disease) is deemed to satisfy the conditions for the higher rate of attendance allowance and to have done so for the preceding six months. Advanced Alzheimer’s disease (and other advanced dementias) fall into the category of terminal diseases.
There are special rules if a recipient is admitted to hospital or if they receive regular respite care – please check with the DSS.
Invalid care allowance
This is a weekly sum paid to carers if they are spending at least 35 hours a week looking after or supervising someone who also receives either the higher or middle rates of the care component of the disability living allowance, attendance allowance, or constant attendance allowance, in respect of industrial or war disablement. The carer must not be gainfully employed or in full-time education and not be under 16 or over 65.
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