Can I claim UK 'Attendance Allowance' if I live in France?

Brexit changed eligibility requirements for this benefit

Attendance Allowance helps with the cost of providing extra care for someone
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Reader Question: Is it possible for someone on the UK state pension to get Attendance Allowance in France? I have been living in France for 15 years.

Yes, a Briton who has been living in France should normally be able to claim the UK’s Attendance Allowance.

This is a benefit for people with a long-term physical or mental condition, who need help with personal care, or visits to check on their wellbeing.

It can no longer be claimed by those who moved to France post Brexit (January 1, 2021), but Britons established in France before that – who should have Brexit Withdrawal Agreement (‘article 50’) residency cards – can still claim.

Read more: Change for foreign residents and eligibility to family benefit in France

Other conditions include having reached UK state pension age and having needed care or supervision for at least six months, due to illness or disability.

You should write to the Attendance Allowance exportability team at Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 2AD, Royaume Uni.

Although this allowance is not available to Britons without Brexit WA cards certain French benefits may be. You can obtain advice about French benefits from your mairie, a maison départementale des personnes handicapées and or an information point for older people.