Any experts on attendance allowance

[Sunart]

My dad is in his mid 80's and has various health issues including stage 4 cancer (terminal but not yet given prognosis in terms of time). I told him I'd help him fill in the form for attendance allowance but speaking to him today he tells me he has done the online one yesterday. He said it didn't give him the option to add more details, there were just check boxes, many of which he thought don't apply and he couldn't expand on anything. Also , it didn't give him the chance to upload any medical reports. I suspect without all this extra detail his claim will be rejected. Should we just wait for their decision or can we also submit a paper form with the evidence as it seems easier to include detail with the paper one? If it is rejected can we ask to complete an application again?

You'll probably have to wait for the results of this one but when I helped someone apply there was plenty of room to add extra things in. I wonder if by giving his diagnosis they don't need any other information so the form moved on. That sounds very clever I know but some diagnoses may help get AA

I used to support people doing these and only ever did the paper versions. I think he'll have to wait for the result and then reapply if it's turned down. I seem to remember that you had to wait 6 months to reapply but I might be wrong about that.

Always give as much evidence as possible

Hi. I'm a benefits specialist and do both the paper and online versions all the time. The online is designed to ask basics and the AA unit then get the medical information themselves from the NHS. I have done analysis on whether or not the online ones are less successful and there is no evidence to show this. Whilst it may feel the paper one gives you more opportunity to give detail there is nothing preventing you from sending in additional information soon after submitting the application if you feel it is necessary. If you don't agree with the decision submit a Mandatory Reconsideration as soon as you can after receiving the decision letter.

@Catsknowbest is the online form okay if you want to apply to increase from lower rate to higher rate?

To do that contact the AA helpline and explain a change in circumstances ie increase in needs. They will then advise if a paper form will be sent out.

Thanks @Catsknowbest I do have a paper form but the helpline sent out the same one as for the original claim. I have kept the helpline updated about changes (person is now in 24 hour care setting, moved from sheltered accommodation). Is it effectively treated as a new claim?

No it won't be treated as a new claim if you are asking for standard allowance to be increased to higher they will assess if the higher rate should now apply, and this also depends on how the care is being funded. If it is fully LA funded AA may not be payable. The paper form for change of circumstances is sometimes slightly different, have they definitely sent you out one identical to a new claim form?

I successfully applied for my late aunt ,a social worker at the time told me to answer the questions how she is on her worst days.
Recently for my mom who has a definite diagnosis I found the questions sometimes 'irrelevant' to her needs and because we are using outside care and money is very much needed I answered the questions in the way I could see the form was going, if that makes sense.
In both cases I wrote detailed truthful descriptions of how the money would help and was needed and the impact their care needs were having on the fami!y.
It is a very time consuming form and I think its written In a one size fits all style so for me I think its vital that you either fill in the extra information part or write one separately.
I know you're waiting now but thought my experiences might help if you have to reapply.

My dad’s just been told he’s got 6 months, but can’t get AA due to the fact he already receives something to do with his army disablement pension. But if it turns out your father has less than 12 months ask his gp or consultant for an SR1 form to be completed which should help things move along.