Check UK Eligibility πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Disability Β· Updated June 2026

πŸ§“ Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability and need help with personal care or supervision. You don't need to have someone actually caring for you β€” the benefit is based on the care you need, not what you receive.

Β£72.65–£108.55/week
Benefit amount
Disability
Category

Do you qualify?

You may qualify if you're over State Pension age, have a physical or mental disability, and need help with personal care (washing, dressing, eating, going to the toilet) or supervision to stay safe. The condition must have affected you for 6 months (or be terminal).

AgeMust be over State Pension age. Under 66? Claim PIP instead.
Disability/illnessPhysical or mental disability β€” including dementia, Parkinson's, heart conditions, arthritis, depression, and many others.
Care needsMust need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe β€” based on need, not what care you actually receive.
DurationCondition must have lasted 6 months (or terminal illness β€” special faster rules apply).
ResidencyMust be habitually resident in Great Britain.
Means testNot means-tested β€” income, savings, and pension don't affect eligibility.

How much you could get

Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: Lower rate (Β£72.65/week): you need frequent help or supervision during the day or night. Higher rate (Β£108.55/week): you need help or supervision during both day and night, or you're terminally ill. It's paid every 4 weeks tax-free and doesn't count as income for other benefits.

How to apply β€” step by step

1

Get the claim form

Call 0800 731 0122 (free, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) to request a form, or download AA1 from gov.uk. You cannot apply online.

2

Fill in the form describing your worst days

Focus on what you cannot do, what you need help with, and how your condition affects you day and night. Describe your worst days β€” not how you manage on good days. Get help from a welfare rights worker if needed.

3

Include supporting evidence

A letter from your GP, consultant, or social worker can support your claim. Ask for a supporting letter before submitting your form.

4

Return the form within the given deadline

Your form must be returned within 6 weeks. Your start date is backdated to when you first requested the form, so call as soon as possible.

5

Wait for a decision

Decisions typically take 6–12 weeks. If refused, request a Mandatory Reconsideration immediately and consider appealing β€” success rates at tribunal are high.

Apply on GOV.UK β†’

Need help while you wait for a decision?

Frequently asked questions

Does receiving Attendance Allowance increase my other benefits?
Yes. Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction β€” it triggers a 'severe disability premium' or disability addition in these benefits. Always tell the relevant agencies when you start receiving AA.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I live in a care home?
It depends who pays for your care. If you pay for your own care home, you can claim AA. If the local authority, NHS, or your care home fees are publicly funded, AA is usually suspended after 28 days.
What if my condition is terminal?
Under the Special Rules for End of Life (SR1), people with a terminal illness can claim Attendance Allowance at the higher rate immediately, with no 6-month wait and a faster decision (usually within days). Your doctor must complete a DS1500/SR1 form.
I manage on my own β€” can I still claim?
Yes. The test is based on the help you need, not what help you actually get. If you struggle, risk injury, or take much longer than average to do tasks, you may qualify even if no one actually helps you.
How often is Attendance Allowance reviewed?
Awards can be indefinite or for a fixed period. If your needs change significantly, you should report the change. Fixed-period awards will be reviewed before they expire.