Norfolk Couple Gain £11,481 a Year After Attendance Allowance Home Visit in Downham Market

An older couple in Downham Market are now £11,481.60 a year better off after receiving support from Age UK Norfolk to apply for Attendance Allowance.

Aged 92 and 87, the couple were referred for a home visit as part of our later life support programme. Living with multiple health conditions including arthritis, dizziness, balance problems and falls, back pain, heart issues and hearing loss, everyday tasks had become increasingly challenging.

Attendance Allowance Support at Home

During the visit, our adviser completed Attendance Allowance applications for both individuals, ensuring their medical conditions, mobility issues and need for aids and adaptations were clearly detailed.

Following the applications:

• Both were awarded Higher Rate Attendance Allowance
• Their household income increased by £220.80 per week
• That equates to £11,481.60 extra per year

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help due to illness or disability. Many older people in Norfolk are eligible but do not claim.

More Than Just a Benefits Application

As part of the visit, the couple also received:

• A full welfare benefits check to ensure they were not missing out on other entitlements
• Information about Warm Homes support and smart meters to help manage energy costs
• A safety check confirming they had a working smoke alarm

This holistic approach ensures older people are safer, warmer and more financially secure at home.

Evaluation and a Small Celebration

As part of the wider project, Age UK, the National charity, carry out evaluations to understand the impact of support. The couple kindly agreed to take part and were randomly selected from a national pool of participants to receive a £75 Love2shop voucher.

Supporting Older People Across Norfolk

Many older people live with long-term health conditions that affect daily life but are unaware they may qualify for financial support. A simple benefits check can make a life-changing difference.

If you or someone you care about lives in Norfolk and may be eligible for Attendance Allowance or other welfare benefits, our team is here to help.