West Wales finance expert on personal mission

An independent financial expert from Carmarthen is embarking on a mission to make more people aware of the 'Attendance Allowance'.

Huw Jones, of KHL Trust Services, suspects that many people are missing out on claiming the benefit.

He is worried that many people don't realise the 'Attendance Allowance' scheme exists and that those who know about the benefit cannot face the paperwork involved in filing a claim.

"In short, I suspect that if we surveyed the matter in Carmarthenshire, we would find that many people are losing out on Attendance Allowance," said Mr Jones.

If you are receiving care from family members or paying for care either at home or in a residential care home you are almost certainly entitled to Attendance Allowance.

The allowance can be for up to £73.60 per week (shortly to be increased to £77.45 per week).

"It is money that has been allocated by the Government to cover care issues," said Mr Jones.

"The pot of money is there, but many people don't realise it exists, or simply cannot face the headache of doing the paperwork to apply."

Attendance Allowance is not "means-tested", so people receiving care could be entitled to it even if they are millionaires or have significant assets in property.

The benefit is not taxable.

Mr Jones added: "The application form, which asks medical questions and requests other information, can be quite onerous to complete, especially for the elderly.

"For that reason, I work on Attendance Allowance applications on a 'no win, no fee basis'.

"In addition, I have built up significant experience in handling applications and can gently guide people through the application process.

"The only cost of an enquiry would be the cost of your telephone call.

"Over recent years, I have come across many people who were unaware of the Attendance Allowance scheme, so this is something of a personal crusade of mine to raise awareness of a benefit which can go a long way to helping people and their carers."

Huw L Jones, FCIB FRSA CeFA, is Director of KHL Trust Services Ltd, of Carmarthen, telephone 01267-221666.

Details about the Attendance Allowance scheme are available on the Government's Direct Gov website -

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10012442

Mr Jones said people could also ring the Benefit Enquiry Line for a claim pack. Telephone: 0800 88 22 00.

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