Attendance Allowance will increase in April – but you might be denied the award | Personal Finance | Finance

Attendance Allowance, known as the DWP AA, currently offers £60 on the lower rate and £89.60 on the higher rate but both of these are due to increase by 3.1 percent in April 2022. However, it has been described as one of the most difficult application processes for Government-backed benefits, and can present challenges for those claiming.

Currently, 58 percent of new AA applications are rejected by the DWP as reported by Benefit Answers. 

Applicants who feel they are rejected incorrectly can make an appeal or even go to a tribunal, but Age UK indicated people should be aware of the application form and its potential challenges.

The application form for AA can be found on the Government website, and it is a 29 page long questioning into one’s lifestyle, habits, medical conditions and disabilities.

While there is assistance available for those who need it, many attempt the form on their own in the hopes of getting it right. 

However, Age UK noted that a potential reason for the sheer number of application refusals is down to the fact that many aren’t clear or don’t mention certain aspects of their illness or disability. 

It can be easy to understate one’s illness or condition, especially when they reach the end of such a long application form but being thorough and clear is key to receiving the benefit and the correct rate for one’s requirements. 

With AA applications it is crucial to be as detailed as possible, especially during the pandemic as face-to-face interviews have been far more limited than ever before, taking away claimants’ chance to explain themselves in a better way.

There is guidance available on the Gov.uk website on how to best fill in the application form.

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