If your claim for Attendance Allowance is turned down, or if you get the lowest rate and you think you should have got the highest rate, you can ask for a revision of the decision. You have one month in which to ask for a revision.

If you are still not satisfied, you have the right to a further appeal. You should get advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or advice centre, or call SeniorLine 0808 800 6565 (0808 808 7575 in Northern Ireland).

It is worth using the revision and appeal process - many people get their decision changed when they challenge it.

If you are receiving Attendance Allowance at the lower rate and your circumstances change, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions for a supersession of the original decision on your benefit.

For example, if in the past you only required attention during the day, but you now need help at night-time as well, you should contact the Department for Work and Pensions. Tell them that you need extra help and they will send you a form to fill in.

Remember, you do not have to put in a totally new claim: you can just ask them to re-consider your existing claim. If your supersession is successful, you will be paid the new rate after you have needed the extra help for six months.