Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if he will extend the special rules for attendance allowance to include those suffering from significant brain injuries.

Entitlement to Attendance Allowance is not based on the diagnosis of a specific health condition, but is awarded to people based on the care, or supervision, needs arising from their severe disability. Special rules arrangements apply to Attendance Allowance claimants who are not expected to live longer than another six months, and mean that payment is made immediately rather the claimant having to satisfy the usual six month qualifying period. There is no specification of which health conditions should be processed under the special rules arrangements, and those suffering from significant brain injuries and not expected to live longer than another six months would be included under them. Claims for Attendance Allowance under the special rules arrangements should be supported by a relevant healthcare professional, usually on form DS1500.