On this page we give you pointers for how best to approach filling out your claim form for Attendance Allowance (AA) if you are blind or partially sighted. You can also download our factsheet for more detailed tips.
What's in the Attendance Allowance claim form
The AA claim form asks for information about your illnesses and disabilities and the help you need getting around, as well as your care needs during the day and night. There is also a section where you can give extra information to support your claim.
Our factsheet summarises the checklist of things to consider when filling out details of your care needs on your AA claim form and includes an example of a care diary to help you write your own to support your claim:
General tips for completing the Attendance Allowance claim form
Take your time
The claim form may seem quite long. Don't be put off. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) decides most claims solely on the information you put on your claim form, so it is important that you explain clearly the problems you have because of your sight loss. You don't have to complete the whole form at one sitting. Take time to think carefully about the answers to the questions.
The first few pages of the form ask for your personal details and are quite straightforward to fill in. The form asks about your disabilities and if you see any doctors or specialists. This part of the form is laid out like a table where you list your disabilities, how long you have had them, which part of your body is affected (if it is a condition like arthritis or rheumatism) and asks you to list any medication you take. If you are registered as blind or partially sighted you should say so here and also what date you were registered. If you have a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI), send a copy with the application form. If you were registered some time ago and your sight has deteriorated since, you should say so. The DWP, may want to write to your doctor or hospital doctor to get more information about your condition.
The most important parts of the form are the sections where you explain how your sight loss and other disabilities or health problems affect you. The form asks about:
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the help you need during the day
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the help you need during the night
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when your difficulties began
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anything else you wish to tell the DWP.
If you run out of space on the form, you can write on another sheet of paper and attach it to the form.
The help you need
It is important that you fill these parts of the form in fully. Don't underestimate your needs. Most people find that a positive attitude makes it easier to live with sight loss. However, just on this occasion, think of all the things that you can't do or have trouble with because of your disability.
Think about a typical day or week in your life and consider all the times when you may have difficulty or need extra help. It can be very helpful for you, or someone close to you, to make a list of all the things that you need help with over a few days. Even if you only need assistance for a few moments each time, the different types of help add up.
For example, when dressing you might need someone to check your clothes are clean or help with fastenings such as zips or shoelaces. You may avoid wearing certain clothing that you find difficult to manage. Maybe you have developed ways of coping with certain activities. However, if an activity takes you much longer than it would take a sighted person, or if it is difficult for you to do it safely, that can be taken into account.
It's the amount of help that you need that matters, not the amount of help that you actually get.
If you are struggling to do things unaided despite difficulties or pain, explain this on the form. If you have to lead a restricted lifestyle because you don't get all the help you need, this should be taken into account.
A diary of the daily assistance that you need will help to support your Attendance Allowance claim. It may also help you when you are completing the claim form. Our factsheet has has an example of what to include in a care diary.
Focus on frequency
To qualify for AA you have to show that you need help 'frequently throughout the day'. For example, if you need help looking after your appearance, this could add up to six or seven times a day if you include help to check your clothes are clean after a meal, help to find a coat or matching shoes to go out, and so on.
If you use or have tried special equipment, explain its limitations
Special equipment can be useful but often it doesn't fully solve the problem - you may still need help from someone else. For example, you may be able to read most things using a magnifying glass, but still need help from another person to read long texts, small print, handwriting and writing that you can't get up close to.
Mention any special circumstances that could increase your need for help or supervision
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Do you have any other health problems and how do these affect you?
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Has your sight or your health got worse recently?
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Was your sight loss sudden or have you found it hard to adapt?
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Have you had a bereavement or moved to a new home?
What if my claim for Attendance Allowance is turned down?
If your claim is turned down, do not give up. Sometimes the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) makes the wrong decision, even if you have filled out your claim pack has been well.
You can challenge a decision about your Attendance Allowance that you disagree with. In most cases the time limit for doing this is just one month from the date on the decision letter, so seek advice quickly. You can call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999.
More information
If you are experiencing problems with your claim for Attendance Allowance or would like to talk to one of our advisers about challenging a decision, call our Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk.
Please note that we can only give advice about benefits for people with sight loss and their carers or dependants.