* Information correct February 2026

Attendance Allowance is a crucial, yet often over-looked, benefit for people over State Pension age. It helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

Payments are not means-tested so your income and any savings don’t affect your eligibility; Attendance Allowance is based on you and how your condition affects you. Being in receipt of Attendance Allowance also potentially unlocks other support.

This benefit can make a real difference to your finances, helping to cover the cost of care, daily support and other such related needs.

Eligibility

You can get Attendance Allowance if you have reached State Pension Age and the following apply:

• you have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or a health condition
• your disability or health condition is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety
• you have needed that help for at least 6 months

Payments

It’s paid at two different rates with the rate depending on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition; a lower rate for day or night help, and a higher rate for both day and night, or if you’re terminally ill.

Currently the rates are either £73.90 or £110.40 a week, and the payments are to help with personal support if both of the following apply:

• you have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
• you’re State Pension Age, or older

It does not cover mobility needs.

You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance.

You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

How Does it Work?

When applying for Attendance Allowance, the key is how it affects you.

• Focus on Care Needs:It’s about needing help with things like dressing, eating, washing, getting to the toilet, bathing, walking, or needing supervision for safety.
• What to Include:Detail the specific help you need, when you need it, why you need it, and for how long, using a diary can help. Don’t leave things out just because no one helps you yet – focus on what you struggle with, particularly on bad days. You do not need a formal assessment by social services, but you must show that you’ve required help for at least six months.
• Don’t Miss Out:Many people are eligible but don’t claim Attendance Allowance due to confusion over whether they are eligible, or the complexity of the application.
• Detailed Forms:The application is long, but be thorough and don’t be embarrassed about personal needs.

How to Apply;

Visit www.gov.uk or a support charity (such as Age UK, Citizen’s Advice) to download the form and start detailing your needs.

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