claiming attendance allowance

[OneRubyCat]

how difficult is it

The form is quite long but not difficult to do. It just takes a while to work through. I guess it would be difficult if the person with the care needs (who needs to sign it) is in denial about the level of care required.

We got it first time for my DM last year but have just been rejected for my DF so about to appeal.

It is ok but if you need help, Age UK will help you.

We watched a video on YouTube and then described Mil's condition. We should go back and get it upped now, as she's declined.

Gather your supporting documents before starting. It can be useful to use some of the medical terms they contain.

It's a long form, get all the dates of diagnosis and details of gp, consultants etc. Then citizens advice will do it for you, they have experience of how to word everything correctly.

I filled in my mums for her as you can do it on a persons behalf. I printed the form off rather than done it online. Made notes before filling it in so I knew what I was going to put down. The main thing is to put what can't be done on the worst days. As an example I listed that mum needed help with washing, dressing and her hair. Put down how long it takes to do these tasks. I helped her with taking medication. Ordered them for her. Made Dr's and hospital appointments. Delt with her bills and letters. Spoke on the phone for her as she may not of understood completely. Listed any personal help she needed. If they have any medical issues list them and send copies of any hospital letters and prescriptions.
The form is quite straight forward and asked set questions about what they can or can't do. It wasn't too complicated.

It's a long form and you need to really really answer the question. This is more important than medical evidence.

So if it says 'can you make a meal?' Your answer should be something like 'I need prompting to remind me when mealtimes are. I can't stand by the cooker due to breathlessness and need to sit and rest after 5 minutes. I can't carry a saucepan due to pain so my partner does it. I need supervision when switching the gas on as I don't remember to switch it off etc etc etc'

Not 'yes' because you can microwave a Ready meal.

Whatever the disability is, it needs spelling out step by step to answer the question.

They care about how the diagnosis affects function, not what the diagnosis is or how sad it makes you.

Much easier than claiming PIP or DLA. Just answer all the questions. 😊

Hi thank for all replies which were very helpful.

We recently applied for AA for my 88yo mum. I was somewhat surprised she was awarded the higher rate.
We didn't get any help completing it, but I am organised and literate and confident with forms.
I just made sure we were as clear and detailed as possible on where she has difficulties, listing all the aids (eg toilet flush extension handles) she uses, and all the help she needs, and all the difficulties she has.

Remembering always that difficulties are different from aids or assistance.

I applied on behalf of DM before she passed, I found it quite simple but you need to include everything they need help with.
I basically filled out the form, included some of the paperwork/diagnosis (stage 4 cancer) from the hospital and DM signed it.
DM received the higher amount, it's worth applying for