Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid out to people over State Pension age who need extra help because of an illness or disability.
There are two different rates that can be paid, depending on your personal circumstances.
Attendance Allowance is worth £68.10 or £101.75 a week - meaning you could potentially get £407 a month.
The lower rate is awarded to those who need help during the day or at night.
The higher rate is for those who need help during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill.
Attendance Allowance is usually paid every four weeks and the money doesn't have to be spent on care needs.
Attendance Allowance isn't taxable and doesn't affect any other benefits you claim.
In fact, claiming Attendance Allowance can also increase the rate of some other benefits you currently get.
Attendance Allowance - am I eligible to claim?
You don’t need to have a carer or someone looking after you to claim Attendance Allowance.
Instead, you are awarded this benefit based on the help you need, not the help you actually get.
Your savings and income are also not taken into account when the DWP decides if you're eligible for this benefit.
Attendance Allowance is available to those above state pension age who need help caring for themselves, or who need supervision.
For example, you may need help such as getting dressed, eating or drinking, going to the toilet, or extra support so you stay safe.
You could also be eligible if everyday tasks take you a long time, or cause you pain or discomfort.
You may qualify if you have a physical disability, mental disability, or both, and your condition means you have needed help for at least six months.
Some people are asked to attend an assessment before being awarded Attendance Allowance.
If you're terminally ill, you can make a claim straight away and you'll be awarded the higher rate.
You cannot usually claim Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home - unless you pay for all your care home costs yourself.
If you need extra help because of a disability or illness and you haven't reached state pension age yet, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead.
Attendance Allowance - how to claim
You can claim by either printing off and sending the Attendance Allowance claim form to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
You can also call the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a claim form using the following numbers:
- Telephone: 0800 731 0122
- Textphone: 0800 731 0317
- Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service
When filling out the form, you'll need to explain how your illness or disability affects your life.
You'll also need to provide supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists.
