Understanding Attendance Allowance: A Real Lifeline for Families
Discover how Attendance Allowance can transform caregiving, providing families with the financial support needed to focus on quality time and professional care.
As the owner of Home Instead Altrincham, Sale, and Wythenshawe, I’ve seen firsthand the difference that Attendance Allowance can make for our clients and their families.
One family’s story stands out to me. They were an incredibly close-knit group, fully committed to ensuring their loved one could age comfortably and with dignity at home. But over time, as caregiving responsibilities grew, the family dynamic began to shift. They found themselves gradually transitioning from family members into part-time carers, struggling to maintain the closeness they cherished.
That’s when we introduced them to the idea of Attendance Allowance. This benefit became a game-changer. With additional funds from Attendance Allowance, they were able to top up their care package with Home Instead, so they could focus on being a family again. Our team took over many of the hands-on tasks, giving them the gift of time – time to connect, enjoy shared activities, and simply be together without the stress of full-time caregiving.
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people over the State Pension age who need help with personal care due to physical or mental disabilities. It’s not means-tested, so income and savings don’t affect eligibility – this makes it accessible for many families.
There are two levels of payments, based on the amount of care someone needs:
- Lower rate (£72.65 per week): This applies if someone needs help or supervision only during the day or only at night. It also applies if someone needs someone with them while on dialysis.
- Higher rate (£108.55 per week): This is for those needing help or supervision both during the day and at night.
An added benefit of Attendance Allowance is that payments are backdated to the day your application is received. So even if there’s a delay in processing, the payments will cover the entire period from the submission date, giving families financial breathing room as they finalise their care plans.
You can down load the government form and more details on the government’s website here.
Applying for Attendance Allowance: My Best Advice
Over the years, we’ve helped many families support their care needs, my biggest piece of advice is this: when completing the form, reach out to your client lead or care coordinator. They have experience with the process and can guide you in using the right terminology, helping to clearly communicate your loved one’s needs.
Also, it’s crucial to be thorough and honest. Describe what your loved one can’t do rather than what they can manage at a push. It’s common for people to downplay the extent of their limitations, but remember, this form is your chance to ensure that the full picture is seen. By focusing on genuine needs, you’re helping to get the best support possible.
The Impact of Extra Support
For families like the one I mentioned, Attendance Allowance brings the flexibility to arrange professional care without the added financial strain. It allows families to continue being just that – families – while care professionals take on the day to day tasks. It means that they can share more joyful moments, spend meaningful time together, and trust that their loved one is safe and well cared for.
Real Stories: The Difference Home Care Can Make
Choosing the right support can be life-changing, as shared by some of our clients and their families:
“I wouldn’t do without you. It’s something I look forward to every week. It’s lovely just to have some female company.” – Client CB
For many families, Attendance Allowance provides the extra support needed to make home care possible, allowing loved ones to enjoy not only professional care but meaningful companionship.
“Your Live-In Care Professional has fitted right in with Mum. She is working really well and has become an extended part of our family.” – David, son of client
If you’re supporting a loved one, I highly encourage you to look into Attendance Allowance. It’s a resource designed to ensure families stay connected, close, and supported. And if you need any more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Home Instead. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
If you’re considering home care or exploring ways to enhance your current care arrangements, reach out to us. We’re here to help you understand your options and make the most of the support available to you. For more information, call our team at 0161 506 8305 – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Areas We Serve
Brooklands, Sale, Sale Moor, Sale West, Ashton upon Mersey, Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale, Hale Barns Broadheath, Timperley, Dunham, Oldfield Brow, Wythenshawe, Woodhouse Park, Benchill, Sharston, Northenden, Northen Moor, Moss Nook, Peel Hall, Baguley
M22 0, M22 1, M22 4, M22 5, M22 8, M22 9, M23 0, M23 1, M23 2, M23 9, M33 1, M33 2, M33 3, M33 4, M33 5, M33 6, M33 7, M90 1, M90 2, M90 3, M90 4, M90 5, WA14 1 ,WA14 2, WA14 3, WA14 4, WA14 5, WA15 0, WA15 6, WA15 7, WA15 8, WA15 9,
The Parflo Building, Huxley St, Broadheath, Altrincham WA14 5EL, UK
0161 506 8305