The future is unpredictable. Unexpected events can occur at any time, including unfortunate circumstances related to our health. In the United Kingdom, various benefits are available to individuals who become disabled as a result of an accident or other misfortune. One such benefit is the Constant Attendance Allowance. Keep reading to learn more about this benefit.
- What Is the Constant Attendance Allowance?
- Who Is Eligible for the Constant Attendance Allowance?
- How To Apply For Constant Attendance Allowance
- Payment Rates
- How Constant Attendance Allowance Affects Other Benefits
- Where To Obtain Advice?
- What If You Disagree with the Decision?
- Maximizing the Support Available
What Is the Constant Attendance Allowance?
The Constant Attendance Allowance is a top-up benefit designed for individuals already receiving other disability payments. This program specifically caters to individuals with severe disabilities or medical conditions that necessitate daily care. Examples of such care include home nursing, assistance with food preparation, or support with eating and drinking.
The difference between Attendance Allowance and Constant Attendance Allowance
It’s important to differentiate between the Attendance Allowance and the Constant Attendance Allowance. The Attendance Allowance is granted to individuals aged 65 and above (i.e., State Pension age) who have a severe disability requiring someone to provide care for them. In contrast, the Constant Attendance Allowance is not age-dependent and can be applied for by anyone who became disabled through military service or an accident at work.
Who Is Eligible for the Constant Attendance Allowance?
To qualify for the Constant Attendance Allowance, individuals must already receive either the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or the War Disablement Pension. The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is granted to individuals who sustain injuries while working or during training, whereas the War Disablement Pension is a benefit provided to former military personnel who became disabled while serving in the military forces. In addition to receiving one of the two disability benefits, the person needs to be 100% disabled and require care and attention on a daily basis.
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How To Apply For Constant Attendance Allowance
To apply for the Constant Attendance Allowance, you should have submitted an application for either the War Disablement Pension or the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. At the time of the medical, an assessment is made to see if the person is 100% disabled. In the case of the War Disablement Pension, applicants must receive a minimum of 80% of the war pension benefit to be eligible for the Constant Attendance Allowance
Payment Rates
Constant Attendance Allowance is available at 4 different rates, and the amount received will depend on the assessed severity of the disability and the extent of the care required.
The table below outlines what someone could expect to receive.
| Rate | Payment Amount Per Week |
| Part day rate | £41.55 |
| Full day rate | £83.10 |
| Intermediate rate | £124.65 |
| Exceptional rate | £166.20 |
The rates are categorized as partial or full-day rates. Partial rates apply to individuals who require care for part of the day, while full rates are for those who require care throughout the entire day. The intermediate and severe rates are intended for individuals with severe and debilitating disabilities who require continuous monitoring.
Moreover, individuals eligible for the “intermediate rate” or “exceptional rate” may also qualify for the Exceptionally Severe Disablement Allowance, which currently amounts to £83.10 per week.
How Constant Attendance Allowance Affects Other Benefits
Those receiving the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may see their DLA and PIP payments reduced. Therefore people receiving these two benefits must check whether it is worth applying for Constant Attendance Allowance.
Where To Obtain Advice?
People receiving the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can obtain advice from the Barnsley Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre. Their contact number is 0800 121 8379. Those receiving a War Disablement Pension can receive further help from Veterans UK. Their phone number is 0808 191 4218.
What If You Disagree with the Decision?
You can ask for a reconsideration if you are not awarded the Constant Attendance Allowance. Barnsley Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit Centre and Veterans UK can assist with the appeals process.
Maximizing the Support Available
The United Kingdom provides a range of disability benefits to support individuals in need. The Constant Attendance Allowance is specifically designed for individuals who are already receiving certain disability benefits and find themselves in the challenging situation of being 100% disabled. Although facing difficult circumstances, this benefit aims to provide assistance in meeting their daily welfare needs
