Attendance Allowance: Help for Older People with Disabilities
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a benefit for people over State Pension age who have a physical or mental disability or illness and need help with personal care, or supervision to keep safe. Many people who would qualify never claim, often because they manage without a carer. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you get, and how to claim.
- ✓For people over State Pension age (currently 66) needing care or supervision
- ✓Not means-tested, income and savings don't affect eligibility
- ✓Lower rate £76.70/week; higher rate £114.60/week (2026/27)
- ✓Based on the help you need, not the help you currently get
- ✓Can unlock extra Pension Credit, Council Tax Reduction and Carer's Allowance
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit paid to people over State Pension age (currently 66) who have a disability or health condition that means they need help with personal care, or who need supervision to remain safe.
- ✓Not means-tested, your income and savings do not affect eligibility
- ✓Not taxable, you do not pay income tax on Attendance Allowance
- ✓Does not affect your State Pension or most other benefits, and may increase some means-tested benefits
- ✓Available to people living at home, in sheltered housing, or in a care home (with some restrictions on care home residents)
- ✓Paid in addition to any other benefit you receive
- ✓Administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
How much is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance has two rates (2026/27):
| Rate | Weekly amount | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70/week | Daytime or night-time care needed, but not both |
| Higher rate | £114.60/week | Care or supervision needed both during the day AND at night, OR terminally ill |
Who qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
You may qualify if you are:
- ✓Over State Pension age (66 or over in 2024)
- ✓Have a physical disability, mental health condition, or long-term illness that means you need help with personal care
- ✓Have needed that help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill, see below)
- ✓A UK resident, and have lived in the UK for 2 of the last 3 years (with some exceptions)
- ✓Not in a care home paid for fully by the local authority (though you can claim if you pay for any part of your care home costs)
What does 'needing care' mean for Attendance Allowance?
To qualify, you must need help with one or more of the following:
- ✓Washing, bathing, or showering
- ✓Getting dressed and undressed
- ✓Getting in and out of bed
- ✓Using the toilet or managing continence
- ✓Preparing or eating food
- ✓Taking medication safely
- ✓Communicating, if your condition affects your speech or understanding
- ✓Supervision to avoid serious danger to yourself or others
- ✓Watching over you at night, attending to you during the night if you need it
- ✓Night-time disturbance, regular disruption to a carer's sleep on your behalf
How to claim Attendance Allowance
Terminal illness fast-track
If you are terminally ill, with a progressive disease where death is reasonably expected within 12 months, you can be fast-tracked for Attendance Allowance:
- ✓You automatically receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance
- ✓No 6-month qualifying period is required
- ✓The claim can be completed much more quickly
- ✓A DS1500 or SR1 form from your GP or hospital doctor is required
- ✓A family member or carer can claim on your behalf if needed
What other benefits does Attendance Allowance unlock?
Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase your entitlement to other benefits:
- ✓Pension Credit: if you receive AA, you may be entitled to a Severe Disability Addition within Pension Credit (additional £81.50/week if you live alone and no one claims Carer's Allowance for you)
- ✓Council Tax Reduction: contact your local council, AA may make you eligible for a higher discount
- ✓Carer's Allowance: if someone looks after you for 35+ hours/week, they may be able to claim Carer's Allowance, receiving AA triggers their eligibility
- ✓Housing Benefit: AA is disregarded as income for means-tested benefits and may increase your entitlement
- ✓Free TV licence: if you are 75 or older, this is a separate entitlement
- ✓Blue Badge (disabled parking): AA may support a Blue Badge application
What if your claim is refused?
If you disagree with a DWP decision on Attendance Allowance, you can challenge it:
- ✓Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of the decision letter
- ✓Write to DWP explaining which parts of the decision you disagree with and why
- ✓Include any additional medical evidence you have
- ✓If the Mandatory Reconsideration goes against you, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal
- ✓Around 60-70% of Attendance Allowance appeals succeed at tribunal
- ✓Get help from Age UK (0800 678 1602), Citizens Advice, or a welfare rights service
Get instant help right now
A Citizens Advice appointment can take weeks. Our free assistant is available 24/7 with no appointment, giving you clear, step-by-step answers about your exact situation, what to do next, and the deadlines that matter.
Need to take action? It can draft a ready-to-send formal letter for you (optional, from £4.99).
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Attendance Allowance for?
Attendance Allowance is for people who are over State Pension age (currently 66) and have a physical or mental disability or illness that means they need help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, eating, or taking medication, or supervision to keep safe. It is not means-tested, so income and savings do not affect eligibility.
How much is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance has two rates. The lower rate (£76.70/week in 2026/27) is for people who need care either during the day or at night. The higher rate (£114.60/week) is for those who need care both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
Do I need a carer to claim Attendance Allowance?
No. Attendance Allowance is based on what help you need, not what help you currently receive. Even if you live alone and manage without formal care, you can still claim if your condition means you need that level of help. Many people successfully claim Attendance Allowance despite coping independently.
Does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
Attendance Allowance does not reduce other benefits and can actually increase them. It is disregarded as income for means-tested benefits. Receiving AA may entitle you to a Severe Disability Addition in Pension Credit (worth over £81/week) and higher Council Tax Reduction. It also enables someone who cares for you to potentially claim Carer's Allowance.
What if my Attendance Allowance claim is refused?
If refused, request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month. Explain which parts of the decision are wrong and include additional medical evidence if you have it. If that fails, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal, around 60-70% of AA appeals succeed. Get free help from Age UK (0800 678 1602) or Citizens Advice when challenging a decision.
Related guides
Found this useful? Link to it
If you run a site, write an article, or help others with their rights, please link to this guide, it helps more people find free, reliable guidance.