Attendance Allowance Guide UK (Eligibility, Rates, Application 2026)

What Is Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a daily living benefit designed to help older people with the extra costs of having a disability or health condition. It is paid at two rates — a lower rate and a higher rate — depending on the level of help you need. The benefit is intended to help with personal care (washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet) or supervision needs (to keep you safe during the day or night). You do not need to have someone caring for you to claim — the benefit is based on the help you need, not the help you actually receive. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your savings, income, or your partner's income do not affect your eligibility. It is also tax-free and not counted as income for most other benefits. If you are terminally ill, you can claim under the Special Rules process, which fast-tracks your application and may result in the higher rate being paid immediately. See our PIP guide → to understand the difference between PIP and Attendance Allowance.

Eligibility Criteria for Attendance Allowance

To qualify for Attendance Allowance you must meet all of the following conditions: you have reached State Pension age (currently 66 and rising), you have a physical or mental disability (including sight or hearing impairments, dementia, arthritis, or long-term conditions), you need help with personal care such as washing, dressing, eating, or using the toilet, or you need supervision to keep yourself safe (for example, if you have confusion or memory problems), and you have had these needs for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill, in which case the rules are different). You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply — what matters is the level of help you need. You must also be ordinarily resident in England, Scotland, or Wales and have been physically present in the UK for at least 26 of the last 52 weeks (with some exceptions). If you live in a care home, you can still claim Attendance Allowance but the rate may be reduced after 28 days if your care is funded by your local authority. There is no upper age limit — you can claim at any age above State Pension age.

Attendance Allowance Rates 2026

Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates that are uprated annually in April. For the 2026/27 tax year, the rates are:

• Lower rate: £72.65 per week — if you need help or supervision during the day or during the night, but not both.
• Higher rate: £108.55 per week — if you need help or supervision during the day and during the night, or if you are terminally ill.

Payment is usually made directly into your bank account every 4 weeks (the same day each payment period). Attendance Allowance is not taxable and does not count towards the Benefit Cap. If you receive the higher rate, you may also qualify for extra amounts in other benefits such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit. The lower rate is sometimes called the "day" or "night" rate, depending on when you need help. If your care needs increase after you start receiving Attendance Allowance, you can ask the DWP to reassess you for the higher rate. Use the Attendance Allowance calculator on gov.uk/attendance-allowance to estimate your entitlement.

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

You apply for Attendance Allowance by completing a paper claim form (form AA1, available from gov.uk or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122). There is no online application — the form is detailed and designed to capture how your condition affects your daily life. Key tips for the form: describe your worst days rather than your best; include help you need but do not actually receive (unmet need); explain any safety risks if you attempt tasks alone; use a diary to record your care needs over a week before filling in the form; and get help from a welfare rights adviser, Carer's UK, or Age UK if needed. Include supporting evidence such as a letter from your GP, consultant, or care worker. Keep copies of everything. Send the completed form to the DWP at the address provided on the form. You can also ask the helpline to post you a paper form. If you are terminally ill, use the DS1500 form (now called SR1) from your doctor to fast-track the claim. Processing usually takes 4–8 weeks. Use our Self-Employed Benefits guide → if you are self-employed and claiming Attendance Allowance.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Refused

If the DWP refuses your Attendance Allowance claim, you have the right to challenge the decision. The first step is mandatory reconsideration — you must ask the DWP to review their decision within 1 month of the date on the decision letter (or 13 months in some circumstances). Write or call the DWP explaining why you disagree and provide any additional evidence you have. A different DWP decision-maker will review your case. If mandatory reconsideration does not change the decision, you can appeal to the First-tier Tribunal (Social Security and Child Support). You must do this within 1 month of the mandatory reconsideration notice. The tribunal is independent of the DWP and will consider your case afresh. Many appeals succeed — around 60–70% of Attendance Allowance appeals are won by the claimant. You can attend the hearing in person, by video, or by phone. See our Benefit Appeals guide → for a complete walkthrough of the appeals process. Consider getting help from a welfare rights adviser or a local Citizens Advice bureau. If your condition has worsened since your original claim, you can also make a new claim at any time.

Attendance Allowance and Other Benefits

Attendance Allowance can increase the amount you receive from other benefits because it acts as a disability passport for extra support. If you claim Pension Credit, receiving Attendance Allowance may entitle you to the severe disability premium (worth £81.50 per week in 2026). It can also increase your Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Attendance Allowance does not reduce your State Pension or Winter Fuel Payment. However, if you go into a care home and the local authority contributes to your care fees, your Attendance Allowance may stop after 28 days. You may also qualify for a blue badge and other local authority services. If you receive the higher rate, you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance if someone cares for you at least 35 hours per week — but the carer cannot get the severe disability premium at the same time. See our Carer's Allowance guide → for more details. Claiming Attendance Allowance can also unlock discounts on your council tax through disability reductions.

FAQs

Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I live in a care home?

Yes, but if your local authority funds your care home placement, Attendance Allowance stops after 28 days. If you are self-funding your care, you can continue to receive it. The benefit may also affect how much the local authority contributes to your fees.

Does Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?

No — Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and does not reduce your State Pension or other contributory benefits. It is paid in addition to any other income you receive.

Do I need a diagnosis to claim Attendance Allowance?

No. You can claim based on the help you need, even if you have not received a formal diagnosis. Explaining your care needs in your own words is sufficient, though medical evidence strengthens your claim.

Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I already get PIP?

No — you cannot get both. PIP is for working-age adults and stops when you reach State Pension age. If you are already on PIP when you reach pension age, the DWP will invite you to claim Attendance Allowance instead. Some people on PIP with indefinite awards may continue receiving PIP after pension age in certain circumstances.

What is the Special Rules for terminally ill people?

If you have a progressive condition and are not expected to live longer than 12 months, you can use the Special Rules process. You will need an SR1 form from your doctor. Claims are fast-tracked and usually paid at the higher rate within weeks.