Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the the effect on vulnerable claimants of the requirement for six months proof of eligibility when applying for attendance allowance.

The longstanding principle applied by successive governments, whether they are Labour, Coalition or Conservatives is that some, or all, of the qualifying period can be completed before the claim for Attendance Allowance is made. Thus qualifying claimants with care needs can normally become eligible for Attendance Allowance 6 months after those care needs arise.

There is no requirement for claims from those with a terminal illness to complete a qualifying period. Claims from other identified vulnerable claimants will be dealt with as a matter of priority where appropriate.