Attendance Allowance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

More than a million people in the UK are living with a condition that would qualify them for Attendance Allowance but haven't claimed a penny. The most common reason is an assumption that they won't be eligible, or that the process will be too complicated. Neither is true. 💚

This guide covers what Attendance Allowance is, who qualifies, how much you could receive, and how to complete the application.

1. What Attendance Allowance actually is

Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of a physical or mental condition. It is not means-tested, which means your income, savings, and whether you own your home make no difference to whether you can claim it.

The payment is designed to help with the extra costs that come with needing support, whether that's help with washing and dressing, someone to keep an eye on you at night, or supervision to keep you safe at home.

Simple action: Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 7898 to request a claim form by post. It's free to call and they'll send it straight away.

2. Who qualifies

To be eligible you need to be State Pension age or over (currently 66) and have a physical or mental disability or illness that means you need help with personal care or supervision. You must also have needed that help for at least 6 months before you claim.

There is one important exception: if you are terminally ill, you can claim straight away under special rules, without the 6-month wait.

You don't need to have someone caring for you already. What matters is whether you need help, not whether you are currently receiving it. If you struggle with things like washing, dressing, eating, taking medication, or moving around safely, you are likely to qualify.

💡 Tip: The 6-month rule applies to how long you have needed help, not how long someone has been providing it. If your condition started more than 6 months ago, you can apply now.

3. The two rates

Attendance Allowance has two rates, determined by how much help you need and when.

Lower rate — £73.90 per week

For people who need help with personal care during the day or at night, but not both.

Higher rate — £110.40 per week

For people who need help both during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.

Example: If arthritis means you need help getting washed and dressed each morning and assistance moving safely during the night, you would likely qualify for the higher rate, worth over £5,700 a year.

Check Gov.uk for the latest rates, as these are reviewed every April.

4. What it doesn't affect

Attendance Allowance is one of the few benefits that can increase what you receive elsewhere rather than reduce it.

It does not affect your State Pension. It may also make you eligible for higher Housing Benefit, a larger Council Tax Reduction, or more Pension Credit than you currently receive, because it raises the threshold at which those benefits are calculated.

It is not taxable and does not count as income when other benefits are assessed.

Simple action: If you already receive Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction, let the relevant office know once your Attendance Allowance is approved. Your payments may increase.

5. How to apply

The clearest way to start is to call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 7898, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. They will send you a claim form (AA1) by post at no cost.

You can also download the form from Gov.uk, or ask Citizens Advice to help you complete it.

The form asks about how your condition affects your daily life. The key is to describe your worst days, not your best. Be honest and specific about the help you need, even on days when you manage without asking for it.

Simple action: Call 0800 731 7898 to get the form sent to you today. Your claim can be backdated to the date the helpline receives your call, so there is no benefit in waiting.

Attendance Allowance won't change everything, but for many people it makes a real difference to what feels possible from week to week. It is your money, and you are entitled to claim it. 💛

Start by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 7898 or visiting Gov.uk. For more guides on making the most of your money, explore Una's guides or sign up to our newsletter.