Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a physical or mental disability that means they need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe. It is tax-free, not means-tested, and does not require you to have a carer or to already be receiving any particular support. Despite this, take-up remains lower than it should be — many people who would qualify have never applied.
What it covers
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates. The lower rate applies if you need help with personal care either during the day or during the night. The higher rate applies if you need help both during the day and during the night, or if you are terminally ill. As of the current rates, the lower rate is just over seventy-two pounds per week and the higher rate is just over one hundred and eight pounds per week. These amounts are reviewed annually and rise with inflation.
Who can apply
You can apply if you are over State Pension age, you have a physical or mental disability or health condition, and you have needed help or supervision for at least six months. The condition does not have to be severe — it covers a wide range of illnesses and disabilities, including conditions like arthritis, heart disease, dementia, diabetes with complications, anxiety or depression, and many others. You do not have to be housebound, and the benefit can be paid whether you live alone or with family.
It does not affect other benefits
Attendance Allowance is not counted as income for most means-tested benefit calculations and does not reduce your entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction. In some cases, receiving Attendance Allowance can actually increase your entitlement to these other benefits by raising the applicable amounts used in their calculations. It is worth checking your wider benefit entitlement at the same time as applying.
How to apply
Applications are made through the DWP by completing a claim form, which asks detailed questions about how your condition affects your daily life. The form can feel lengthy and the questions require you to describe your worst days rather than your average ones, which many people find counterintuitive. Organisations like Age UK and Citizens Advice can help you complete the form and make sure the claim accurately reflects your needs. Getting support with the application significantly improves success rates.
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Ask Fin provides general guidance only, not regulated benefits advice. Attendance Allowance rates and eligibility criteria may change. Always check GOV.UK or speak with Age UK or Citizens Advice for current guidance and application support.