When you’ll be paid
If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, it can be paid from the start of your claim. It cannot be backdated.
If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives it.
If you call the helpline to request a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within 6 weeks).
After you’ve applied, you’ll get a text or letter within 3 weeks that explains how long it’ll take to get a decision. Once the decision has been made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome. If you’ve been awarded Attendance Allowance, this will tell you when you’ll get your first payment.
If you might have 12 months or less to live
You can get Attendance Allowance more quickly if a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live. This is sometimes called ‘special rules’.
You must complete an Attendance Allowance claim form. You should also ask a doctor or medical professional for form SR1 - they’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
You can do this on behalf of someone else without their permission. The letter about the money awarded will not mention ‘special rules’.