Useful links
Carefully selected links across three areas — finding support, claiming Attendance Allowance, and working independently in care.
Support
Organisations and helplines offering direct support to people who need care, and to their families and carers.
Local directory of care and support services across Staffordshire — find help near you.
Free advice and information for unpaid carers — by phone, email, or online forum.
Free, confidential advice for older people and their families on care, benefits, and housing.
Mental health information and signposting — open Monday to Friday, 9am–6pm.
Free, confidential listening support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Free support for disabled people and their families — practical advice and emotional support.
Official NHS guide to understanding your care needs, assessments, and how to get help.
Free, independent advice on benefits, housing, debt, employment, and more — online or in person.
Help filling in your Attendance Allowance form
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. These resources can help you complete the form accurately and confidently.
Download or request the official AA1 claim form from GOV.UK.
Step-by-step guidance on what to include, how to describe your needs, and what evidence helps.
Plain-language explanation of eligibility, the form, and what happens after you apply.
Detailed factsheet covering eligibility rules, the care and supervision tests, and tips for the form.
Check whether you are likely to be eligible for Attendance Allowance and other benefits.
Guidance for carers supporting someone to claim, including what counts as a care need.
Work as an independent support worker or carer
Thinking about working independently as a support worker or carer? These resources cover finding work, understanding your rights, training, and running your own care business.
Guidance on qualifications, the Care Certificate, and career pathways in adult social care.
Official guidance on registering as self-employed, tax, National Insurance, and working independently.
Find out whether your independent care work requires registration with the Care Quality Commission.
Information on employment rights, pay, and protections for care and support workers.
A platform connecting personal assistants with disabled people and families seeking support.
Tax and payroll guidance if you are employed directly by a care recipient or their family.
About these links: All links go to external organisations and official sources. National Care Service is not responsible for the content of external sites and does not endorse any specific service provider. Links are reviewed periodically but may change — if you find a broken link, please let us know.