Allowances and Benefits

There are many allowances and benefits designed to help people who are ill, or disabled or caring for others. Three are mentioned below. All allowances are there to help. They are your right. You should apply for them if you think you are eligible.

For further information see the Disability Alliance Website and to apply see the Public Services Website.

Attendance Allowance

For people 65 and over who need long-term help with personal care, or supervision to remain safe. The allowance is not means-tested or taxable

Disability Living Allowance

For people under 65 who need long-term help with personal care or have walking difficulties. The allowance is not means-tested or taxable.

Carer's Allowance

For people over 16 who care for someone for more than 35 hours a week. The allowance is not means-tested but is taxable and there is an earnings limit.

Some allowances can be fast-tracked if the patient is unlikely to live for 6 months. See the doctor about a DS1500 form.

You can apply for these allowances on forms obtainable from your 'local' Jobcentre Plus Office or over the telephone on the Benefits Enquiry Line 0800 882200 (textphone 0800 243355)

The nearest Jobcentre Plus offices are:-

Swaffham -The Swaffham office closed in 2007: The Corn Hall
7 Market Place
Swaffham
PE37 7AG; Tel: 01760 774800

King’s Lynn: Lovell House
St Nicholas Street
King’s Lynn
PE30 1LR; Tel: 01553 734900; (corner of Tuesday Market Place, next to Tudor Rose Hotel)

Dereham: 16-18 High Street
Dereham
NR19 1DX; Tel: 01362 773800

Downham Market - The Downham office closed in 2008: 6 High Street
Downham Market
PE38 9JX; Tel: 01366 363900

Other offices can be located by going onto the Jobcentre Plus website – www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk , and typing in a search for a particular town.

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