Attendance Allowance: what it is and how to claim
A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help because of an illness or disability. It isn’t means-tested, and it is one of the most often missed sources of help with care costs.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions to people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care, or someone to keep an eye on them, because of an illness or disability.
It is not means-tested, so income and savings don’t affect it. It is tax-free, and it is paid whether or not anyone is actually providing the help. Your loved one can spend it however they choose, including towards the cost of live-in care.
Attendance Allowance rates for 2026/27
These rates apply from April 2026. They usually rise each April, so always check GOV.UK for the latest figures.
| Lower rate | £76.70 a week | Help needed during the day, or during the night |
| Higher rate | £114.60 a week | Help needed both day and night, or someone who is terminally ill |
Who can claim?
A diagnosis isn’t needed, and they don’t have to be receiving care already. It is the help they need that counts.
Your loved one may be able to claim if they:
- Has reached State Pension age (younger people claim Personal Independence Payment instead)
- Needs help with things like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or taking medication, or needs supervision to stay safe
- Has needed that help for at least six months (this doesn’t apply to people who are terminally ill)
- Lives in England, Wales or Northern Ireland (Scotland has its own Pension Age Disability Payment)
How to claim
- 1Get the formClaim online through GOV.UK, or ask for the AA1 claim form by phone or post.
- 2Describe a bad dayExplain all the help needed, day and night, including help that is needed but not currently given. Include examples, falls and near misses.
- 3Add evidenceA letter from the GP, a care plan or a diary of a typical week can help.
- 4Terminal illnessIf someone is terminally ill, claim under the special rules. They get the higher rate and the claim is dealt with faster.
It can unlock other help
Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. A family carer may also be able to claim Carer’s Allowance. A benefits check with Age UK or a local advice service is worth doing.
If your loved one gets council-funded care at home, the council may count Attendance Allowance as income in its financial assessment, but it should take disability-related costs into account.
Official guidance
- Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK)
- How to claim Attendance Allowance (GOV.UK)
- Personal Independence Payment (GOV.UK)
- Pension Credit (GOV.UK)
- Age UK Advice Line
Last checked 31 October 2026. This guide is general information for England, not financial or legal advice. Medicare People is not a financial adviser. Rules and rates change, so always check the official guidance or speak to an independent, regulated adviser.
Other ways to pay for care
Attendance Allowance: your questions
How much is Attendance Allowance in 2026/27?
From April 2026 the lower rate is £76.70 a week, for people who need help or supervision during the day or at night, and the higher rate is £114.60 a week, for people who need help both day and night or who are terminally ill. Attendance Allowance is usually paid every four weeks into a bank account. Rates normally change each April, so check GOV.UK for the latest figures.
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Income and savings do not affect Attendance Allowance, and it is tax-free. It's based only on the help someone needs because of an illness or disability. Receiving it can also increase entitlement to other benefits, such as Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction, so it's worth checking those too. Many older people who could claim never do, so if your loved one needs help with personal care or supervision, it's worth applying.
Can Attendance Allowance be used to pay for live-in care?
Yes. Your loved one can spend Attendance Allowance as they choose, including towards the cost of live-in care. On its own it won't cover the full weekly cost, but at the higher rate of £114.60 a week it makes a real difference over a year. If the council also carries out a financial assessment, it may take Attendance Allowance into account when working out a contribution, so ask how it's treated.
Does someone need a carer already to claim?
No. Attendance Allowance is based on the help someone needs, not the help they actually receive. Someone living alone with no carer can still qualify if they have difficulty with things like washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or staying safe, or need someone to keep an eye on them. When filling in the form, describe a bad day honestly and give examples of what happens without help.
What if someone is under State Pension age?
They would usually claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. PIP is also not means-tested and has two parts: a daily living part, for help with everyday tasks, and a mobility part, for help getting around. People already getting PIP or Disability Living Allowance before State Pension age can usually keep it rather than switching to Attendance Allowance. GOV.UK explains which benefit applies.
How quickly can someone who is terminally ill get it?
Claims under the special rules for end of life are dealt with faster and are paid at the higher rate straight away, without the usual qualifying period. A doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional completes a form (SR1) confirming the person's condition. Someone else can make the claim on their behalf. If your loved one is nearing the end of life, also ask about NHS Continuing Healthcare Fast Track funding.
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