Attendance Allowance information guide
If you’re over State Pension age and you need help with your personal care because of an illness or disability,...
Attendance Allowance
If you have an illness or disability, you might be entitled to Attendance Allowance to help with personal care or supervision.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. There are 2 different weekly rates, and the amount you get depends on how much help you need.
Any Attendance Allowance you receive doesn't necessarily need to be spent on your care. Many people spend the money on other types of help in the home, or on equipment to help them stay independent. For example, it could help you pay bills, get meals delivered or cover the cost of taxis.
Since Age UK Durham helped me claim Attendance Allowance I don’t have to worry. All these years I could have been having help but I didn’t know.
How much is Attendance Allowance?
There are 2 rates of Attendance Allowance. What you get depends on the care you need. It's usually paid every 4 weeks.
These rates apply from April 2024 to April 2025.
| Rate | Amount per week | Who gets this? |
| Lower rate | £72.65 | Those who need help during the day or at night. |
| Higher rate | £108.55 | Those who need help during the day and at night, or who're terminally ill. |
Is Attendance Allowance taxable?
The money you receive isn't taxable or means-tested – so your savings or income won't affect your claim. Claiming also won't affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can actually help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Support.
Am I eligible to claim Attendance Allowance?
You can claim Attendance Allowance if you meet all the following criteria:
- You're over State Pension age (if you haven't reached it, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead).
- You have any type of disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia.
- You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night.
- You have needed help for at least 6 months. This doesn't apply if you're terminally ill, in which case you can make a claim straight away.
Are you entitled to extra money?
Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.
If you’re already claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you’ll continue to get these after you reach State Pension age. If you’ve been asked to claim AA instead of your current benefit, contact your local Age UK.
How to claim Attendance Allowance
To make a claim, you have to fill out the Attendance Allowance claim form. There are a couple of ways to get your form. You can:
- call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122
- download a claim form from GOV.UK.
When filling out the form, be really clear about how your illness or disability affects your life and attach any supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists.
The Attendance Allowance form can be daunting, but we've brought together tips on how best to fill it out and what to include. You can also get in touch with your local Age UK for help from an adviser.
Find out more about what to include in your Attendance Allowance form
Once you've submitted your form, the Department of Work and Pensions may contact you for more information or arrange a visit from a doctor. It's a good idea to prepare for this visit by writing down things you think the doctor should know about.
You'll get a letter about whether or not you’ll get Attendance Allowance, how much, and from what date. If you’re not happy with the decision, you can appeal.
More Attendance Allowance questions
Is Attendance Allowance means tested?
Attendance Allowance isn’t means tested, so it doesn’t matter what you earn or how much you have in savings. It's based purely on your disability or health condition and your care or supervision needs.
Is it worth applying for Attendance Allowance again if I was rejected before?
Your circumstances may have changed since the last time you applied, especially if it was a while ago. If your care needs have increased, you might find you’re now eligible.
Do I need Attendance Allowance if I can get by without?
If you're eligible to claim Attendance Allowance then it's money you're entitled to. Think about what support or equipment might help you to carry on living independently at home for longer.
Do I have to spend my Attendance Allowance on a carer?
You don’t have to spend Attendance Allowance on a carer. Many people spend it on other types of help in the home, or equipment to help them stay independent.
Do you have to have a carer to claim Attendance Allowance?
You don’t need to have a carer or someone looking after you. You qualify based on the help you need, not the help you currently get.
What are the pitfalls of applying for Attendance Allowance?
Many applications are turned down because people don't mention, or aren't clear about, how their illness or disability affects their lives. Sometimes people are put off applying altogether because of the application process. But we have information on what you should include in your application, and you can also get in touch with your local Age UK to get help from an advisor.
Find out more about what to include in your Attendance Allowance application
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We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 120 local Age UKs.