Attendance Allowance: How to Claim Up to £114.60 a Week

If you are over State Pension age and a health condition, disability or illness means you need help with personal care or supervision, you could be entitled to Attendance Allowance. The benefit is designed to help with the extra costs of living with a long-term condition, and you do not necessarily need to have someone providing care for you to qualify.

The amount can be significant. For the 2026/27 tax year, Attendance Allowance is paid at £76.70 a week at the lower rate or £114.60 a week at the higher rate. That means someone receiving the higher rate could receive almost £6,000 a year. The benefit is also tax-free and is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not normally affect entitlement.

The £110 figure sometimes quoted online relates to the previous 2025/26 rate of £110.40. The current higher rate is £114.60.

This guide explains who can claim, what the two rates mean, which health and care needs can count, how to complete the claim form, what evidence can help, common mistakes to avoid and what could happen to other benefits if your claim is successful.

Attendance Allowance explained: who can claim, how much you can get and how to make a strong application

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a physical or mental disability, illness or health condition that is severe enough for them to need help with personal care or supervision.

It is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Unlike some income-related benefits, it is not means-tested. You can potentially qualify even if you have savings, a private pension or other income.

The benefit is intended to help with additional costs associated with care and supervision. It is not designed to pay for a specific care service, and you do not have to spend the money on care.

For example, someone might use it towards:

• Help with heating or household expenses
• Additional transport costs
• Paying someone for occasional assistance
• Personal care items
• Domestic help
• Other expenses caused by their condition

There is no mobility component. The focus is on care and supervision needs, rather than how far someone can walk or whether they can physically get around.

How much is Attendance Allowance in 2026/27?

There are two weekly rates.

Attendance Allowance rate	2026/27 weekly amount	Typical level of need
Lower rate	£76.70	Frequent help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night
Higher rate	£114.60	Help or supervision during both day and night, or qualifying end-of-life circumstances

The higher rate works out at approximately £5,959 a year if paid for a full 52 weeks. The lower rate is approximately £3,988 a year.

The official 2026/27 benefit rates confirm that the higher rate increased from £110.40 to £114.60 and the lower rate increased from £73.90 to £76.70.

The amount is normally paid weekly into a bank, building society or credit union account.

Who qualifies for Attendance Allowance?

You generally need to meet several conditions.

First, you must have reached State Pension age.

Second, you must have a physical disability, sensory disability, mental disability or health condition that means you need help with personal care or supervision.

Third, the need for help must normally have existed for at least six months.

This does not mean you must have a formal diagnosis for six months in every situation. What matters is how your condition affects your care or supervision needs and whether the qualifying rules are met.

The State Pension age itself is changing from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, so people approaching pension age should check their individual State Pension age rather than assuming that everyone qualifies from exactly the same birthday.

What does “needing help” actually mean?

This is one of the most important parts of an Attendance Allowance application.

You do not have to be completely dependent on another person.

You may qualify if you need help with ordinary personal activities, such as:

• Washing or bathing
• Getting dressed
• Getting in or out of bed
• Using the toilet
• Taking medication
• Eating or drinking
• Managing personal hygiene
• Communicating because of a disability
• Staying safe because of confusion or another condition
• Being supervised during the day
• Being supervised at night

The assistance can be physical help, prompting, supervision or monitoring, depending on the circumstances.

For instance, a person with dementia might physically be able to walk to the bathroom but still require supervision because they become confused or unsafe. Similarly, someone with arthritis might technically be capable of dressing themselves but need physical assistance because severe pain or restricted movement makes the task difficult.

The application should therefore explain what happens in real life, rather than simply naming a medical condition.

Do you need someone caring for you to qualify?

No.

This is a common misconception.

You can claim Attendance Allowance even if you live alone and nobody currently provides regular care. The eligibility test is based on the help or supervision you need, not simply whether somebody is already giving it to you.

This distinction matters because some people have adapted their lives around their disability. They may avoid activities, take much longer to complete tasks or struggle privately rather than asking family members for help.

A strong application should describe those difficulties honestly.

For example:

“I can wash myself, but I need to sit down because standing for long periods causes severe pain and I need help getting out of the bath.”

That is more informative than simply writing:

“I have arthritis.”

The first statement explains the practical impact of the condition.

Which illnesses and disabilities can qualify?

There is no simple list of illnesses that automatically qualify someone for Attendance Allowance.

The key issue is not whether your diagnosis appears on a particular list. It is how your condition affects your day-to-day care and supervision needs.

Potentially relevant conditions can include:

• Arthritis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Stroke-related disabilities
• Multiple sclerosis
• Cancer
• Heart conditions
• Respiratory conditions
• Diabetes where it creates qualifying care or supervision needs
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Mental health conditions
• Neurological conditions
• Mobility-related difficulties where they create care needs
• Multiple conditions affecting daily life

Having a diagnosis alone does not guarantee an award.

Conversely, someone does not necessarily need to be receiving intensive professional care before making a claim.

What is the six-month rule?

For most ordinary claims, you must have needed help or supervision for at least six months before you can qualify.

This is an important difference between simply having a health condition and meeting the benefit's requirements.

Suppose someone develops severe mobility problems in January but does not reach the six-month point until July. The timing of the claim can matter, so applicants should carefully check the official rules rather than assuming that a diagnosis date automatically establishes entitlement.

There are special provisions for people who are nearing the end of life.

What if someone is nearing the end of life?

The rules can be different where a medical professional says someone might have 12 months or less to live.

Under the special rules, a person may be able to receive Attendance Allowance more quickly and at the higher rate. They do not normally need to attend a face-to-face assessment.

A medical professional can provide an SR1 form, which supports the special-rules application.

This route is particularly important because families should not have to wait through the normal process where someone has a life-limiting illness.

How do you claim Attendance Allowance?

For people in England and Wales, the standard claim is generally made using the AA1A Attendance Allowance claim form.

The official DWP form and accompanying notes were updated in February 2026.

Official Attendance Allowance claim form — GOV.UK

You can also contact the Attendance Allowance helpline if you need a paper form or assistance with the application.

The current helpline number listed by GOV.UK is 0800 731 0122, available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Relay UK is available on 18001 followed by 0800 731 0122.

What should you put on the claim form?

This is where many applicants struggle.

The form is not simply asking, “What illness do you have?”

It wants to understand how your condition affects you and what assistance or supervision you require.

When answering questions, think about a normal day.

Explain:

1. What you can do independently.
2. What you cannot do safely.
3. What help you need.
4. How often you need that help.
5. Whether you need help during the day, at night or both.
6. What happens when you do not receive assistance.
7. How long tasks take.
8. Whether your condition varies.
9. Any supervision required to keep you safe.

Why real examples are better than general statements

Consider two possible answers.

Weak explanation:

“My back condition makes things difficult.”

More useful explanation:

“I have difficulty getting out of bed because of pain and stiffness. On bad mornings I need someone to help me sit upright and steady me before I can stand.”

The second example gives the decision-maker practical information about the assistance required.

You should not exaggerate or describe needs that you do not have. The objective is accuracy.

At the same time, do not minimise genuine difficulties simply because you have learned to cope with them.

What evidence should you include?

Medical evidence can help explain your condition, but the application is primarily concerned with the practical consequences of your disability or illness.

Useful information may include:

• GP details
• Hospital or specialist details
• Medication
• Treatment history
• Care arrangements
• Relevant medical letters
• Information from carers or family members
• Details of falls or safety incidents where relevant

You should answer the form based on your actual circumstances.

You do not necessarily need to wait for a new medical assessment before applying.

Does Attendance Allowance depend on your income or savings?

No.

Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so earnings, private pensions and savings do not normally determine whether you receive it.

This is particularly relevant for pensioners who assume they cannot claim because they have money in a savings account or receive a relatively substantial pension.

The benefit is based primarily on qualifying age and care or supervision needs.

It is also tax-free.

Can Attendance Allowance increase other benefits?

Potentially, yes.

Receiving Attendance Allowance can affect entitlement to other support. GOV.UK states that it can lead to extra amounts of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, depending on the individual's circumstances and the rules of the other benefit.

This means the value of a successful Attendance Allowance claim can sometimes extend beyond the weekly payment itself.

For example, a pensioner who qualifies for Attendance Allowance may also want to check whether their circumstances mean they could receive additional Pension Credit.

Do not assume that receiving one benefit automatically guarantees another. Each benefit has its own eligibility rules.

Can you receive Attendance Allowance and PIP?

Generally, you cannot receive Attendance Allowance at the same time as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance, Adult Disability Payment, Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance or Armed Forces Independence Payment.

The benefit system depends partly on age and where you live.

If someone already receives another disability benefit and reaches State Pension age, they should check their individual circumstances before making changes or assuming that they should switch benefits.

What if you live in Scotland?

This is an important regional difference.

If you live in Scotland, you generally apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance.

Therefore, an article or guide that simply tells every UK pensioner to apply for Attendance Allowance is incomplete.

England and Wales use Attendance Allowance, while Scotland has moved to Pension Age Disability Payment.

Northern Ireland has separate arrangements and should be checked through the appropriate Northern Ireland government guidance.

What if you live in a care home?

Living in a care home does not automatically rule out Attendance Allowance.

The funding of your care matters.

If you pay all of your care-home costs yourself, you may still be able to claim. If your care is funded by a local authority, the rules can be different.

If you move into a care home or your care funding changes, you should report the change to DWP.

How long does an Attendance Allowance claim take?

After you submit your claim, GOV.UK says you should receive a text or

letter within about three weeks explaining when you can expect a decision.

The actual decision time can vary depending on the circumstances and whether further information or an assessment is required.

An assessment is not automatic. DWP says you will only need one if it is unclear how your disability or health condition affects you.

When does your Attendance Allowance claim start?

The date your claim starts can depend on how you apply.

If you apply online, the claim generally starts on the date you make the claim.

If you print and post the form, the claim starts when DWP receives it.

If you call the helpline to request a form, the claim can start from the date of your call provided you return the form within six weeks.

That makes timing worth paying attention to.

If you think you qualify, do not unnecessarily delay contacting DWP while waiting for every piece of paperwork to be perfect.

What are the most common Attendance Allowance mistakes?

Several mistakes can make an otherwise genuine claim less clear.

Mistake 1: Only listing medical diagnoses

A diagnosis does not automatically explain the level of care required.

Explain what the condition actually prevents you from doing.

Mistake 2: Saying “I manage”

People often become used to their limitations.

If you have created routines to cope, explain what those routines involve.

“I manage” could mean anything from complete independence to spending an hour preparing for a shower because you cannot stand safely.

Mistake 3: Describing only your best days

If your condition fluctuates, explain the pattern.

Tell DWP what happens on better and worse days and how frequently those changes occur.

Mistake 4: Ignoring night-time needs

Night-time supervision or assistance can be highly relevant to the rate of Attendance Allowance.

Explain what happens during the night, including how often you need help and why.

Mistake 5: Assuming savings disqualify you

They do not. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested.

Mistake 6: Assuming you need a professional carer

You do not have to employ a carer or live with another person to claim.

Mistake 7: Forgetting supervision needs

Help is not always physical.

Someone who needs supervision because of confusion, cognitive problems or safety concerns may have relevant care needs.

Can someone claim Attendance Allowance on behalf of another person?

Yes.

Someone else can make a claim on another person's behalf, including in special end-of-life circumstances.

This can be particularly useful where the claimant finds paperwork difficult because of illness, cognitive impairment, sight problems or another disability.

However, the application should still accurately describe the claimant's actual needs.

What happens if your claim is rejected?

A refusal does not necessarily mean the process is over.

If you disagree with an Attendance Allowance decision, you can ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration.

Before challenging the decision, read the explanation carefully.

Ask yourself:

• Did DWP misunderstand the level of help required?
• Was important information missing?
• Did the application fail to explain night-time needs?
• Did your condition change?
• Was relevant evidence overlooked?
• Were your answers too brief?

A reconsideration request should focus on the facts and explain why the decision should be looked at again.

What happens if your condition gets worse?

Attendance Allowance can change when your circumstances change.

If your care or supervision needs increase, you should contact DWP. You should also report other relevant changes, including going into hospital or a care home, changes to care-home funding, or certain changes in your personal circumstances.

If your needs become substantially greater, the rate you receive could potentially change.

Likewise, if your needs reduce, your entitlement could change.

What should families do before submitting a claim?

A practical approach is to keep a short diary for several days.

Write down:

• When help was required
• What assistance was provided
• How long it took
• Whether the person was at risk without help
• How many times assistance was required
• What happened overnight
• Whether medication needed prompting
• Whether pain, fatigue or confusion affected activities

This can help turn vague memories into concrete examples.

It can also reveal needs that someone has stopped noticing because they have become part of the household routine.

A realistic example of an Attendance Allowance application

Imagine Margaret is 74 and has arthritis, reduced vision and significant difficulty getting around her home.

She can prepare a simple meal but needs help getting pans and heavier items from cupboards. She needs assistance getting into the shower and cannot safely stand for long periods. At night, she sometimes needs help getting to the toilet because she is unsteady.

Simply writing “Margaret has arthritis and poor eyesight” would not tell DWP enough.

A better application would explain the actual tasks, the frequency of assistance, the safety concerns and the consequences when help is unavailable.

The example does not guarantee entitlement. It demonstrates the principle: describe the care need, not just the diagnosis.

Is Attendance Allowance worth claiming?

For someone who meets the rules, it can provide meaningful financial support.

At the current higher rate of £114.60 a week, the benefit represents nearly £6,000 over a full year. It is also tax-free and not means-tested.

But the decision should not be based solely on the headline figure.

The more useful question is:

Does your health condition create care or supervision needs that meet the eligibility rules?

If the answer may be yes, checking your entitlement can be worthwhile.

Future outlook for Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance rates are reviewed as part of the annual benefit-rate process, so the weekly amount can change from one tax year to another.

For 2026/27, the confirmed higher rate is £114.60 and the lower rate is £76.70.

The bigger issue for future claimants is likely to remain the distinction between a person's medical diagnosis and their actual care requirements.

As people live longer with conditions such as dementia, neurological disease, cancer and multiple long-term conditions, explaining the practical impact of health problems will remain central to disability-benefit applications.

Technology may also make accessing forms and information easier, but applicants should still rely on current government guidance when benefit rules, rates or application procedures change.

The safest approach is to check the latest official guidance before submitting a claim, particularly if you live in Scotland, receive another disability benefit, live in a care home or are applying under the special rules for end of life.

Key Insights

• The current maximum is £114.60 a week, not £110.40. The higher rate increased for 2026/27.
• Attendance Allowance is aimed at people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision.
• Savings and income do not normally affect entitlement because Attendance Allowance is not means-tested.
• You do not need to employ a carer or live with someone who provides care.
• Focus your application on what help you need and how often, rather than simply naming your medical conditions.
• Night-time assistance and supervision can be important when DWP assesses the appropriate rate.
• People approaching the end of life can qualify under special rules and may receive the higher rate without a face-to-face assessment.
• If you live in Scotland, check Pension Age Disability Payment rather than automatically applying for Attendance Allowance.

FAQ

1. How much is Attendance Allowance in 2026/27?

Attendance Allowance is £76.70 a week at the lower rate and £114.60 a week at the higher rate for 2026/27. The higher rate is approximately £5,959 over 52 weeks.

2. Who can claim Attendance Allowance?

You generally need to have reached State Pension age and have a physical or mental disability, illness or health condition that means you need help with personal care or supervision. The qualifying need normally must have existed for at least six months.

3. Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?

No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income, pension and savings do not normally affect whether you qualify.

4. Do I need a carer to receive Attendance Allowance?

No. You do not have to have somebody caring for you. Eligibility is based on the help or supervision you need because of your disability or health condition.

5. Is Attendance Allowance taxable?

No. Attendance Allowance is one of the common UK state benefits that are not subject to Income Tax.

6. Can I claim Attendance Allowance for arthritis?

Potentially. Arthritis itself does not automatically qualify you, but the difficulties it creates may qualify if you need sufficient help with personal care or supervision and meet the other eligibility conditions.

7. Can dementia qualify someone for Attendance Allowance?

Yes, dementia can create qualifying care or supervision needs. The application should explain practical problems such as confusion, medication management, personal care difficulties or safety risks rather than relying solely on the diagnosis.

8. Can I get Attendance Allowance if I live alone?

Yes. Living alone does not prevent a claim. You may qualify if you have qualifying care or supervision needs even though nobody currently provides regular assistance.

9. Can Attendance Allowance help increase Pension Credit?

It can potentially lead to additional Pension Credit depending on your circumstances. GOV.UK specifically notes that Attendance Allowance can result in extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

10. Can I receive Attendance Allowance and PIP together?

Generally, no. Attendance Allowance cannot normally be received alongside PIP or certain other disability benefits, including DLA and Adult Disability Payment.

11. Can someone claim Attendance Allowance on my behalf?

Yes. Another person can make a claim on your behalf. This can be helpful if illness or disability makes completing the application difficult.

12. What form is used to claim Attendance Allowance?

The standard claim form for England and Wales is the AA1A Attendance Allowance claim form. The current official form and notes are available through GOV.UK.

13. Do I need an assessment for Attendance Allowance?

Not necessarily. DWP says an assessment is only required where it is unclear how your disability or health condition affects you.

14. Can I get the higher Attendance Allowance rate if I need help at night?

Potentially. The higher rate applies where you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, subject to the full eligibility rules.

15. What happens if my Attendance Allowance application is refused?

You can ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration if you disagree with the decision. Review the decision carefully and explain which facts, care needs or evidence you believe were misunderstood or overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Attendance Allowance is easy to overlook because it is based on care and supervision needs rather than simply the name of a medical condition. Yet for eligible pension-age people, it can provide substantial financial support.

For 2026/27, the maximum is £114.60 a week, while the lower rate is £76.70. The benefit is tax-free and not means-tested, making it potentially valuable even for people with savings or other income.

If you think you may qualify, focus on the practical reality of your day-to-day life. Explain what help you need, when you need it, how often it happens and what risks or difficulties arise without that help.

Do not minimise genuine problems simply because you have learned to cope with them. Equally, do not exaggerate.

A clear, honest account of your care and supervision needs gives DWP the information it needs to assess your claim.

Because benefit rates and rules can change, always check the latest official guidance before applying.

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