Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit you may get if you are State Pension age or over and need help with personal care because you have a physical or mental disability.
For more information about Attendance Allowance, visit the nidirect website:
Am I eligible for Attendance Allowance?
You may get Attendance Allowance if you are State Pension age or over and have needed help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability for six months.
Your disability must be severe enough for you to need either:
- help with things such as washing (and getting in or out of the bath or shower), dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating your needs
- supervision to avoid putting yourself or others in a lot of danger, for example, needing someone to keep an eye on your medical condition or diet
- someone with you when you are on dialysis
You can get Attendance Allowance even if no one is actually giving you the care you need and even if you live alone.
How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
Our Welfare Advice Officers can help with Attendance Allowance applications:
Telephone: 028 7130 4800
Office hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Alternatively you can call the Disability and Carers Service and ask to be sent a claim pack. The date of your phone call will be treated as your date of claim from which Attendance Allowance can be paid, as long as you send your form back within six weeks of that date.
They can also advise you where to download a claim form.