What is Attendance Allowance — and Could Your Loved One Be Claiming It?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability. It is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK — largely because families do not know it exists, or assume their loved one will not qualify.
Two rates
The lower rate is currently £72.65 per week, paid to those who need help with personal care either during the day or during the night. The higher rate is £108.55 per week, paid to those who need help both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
Who qualifies?
Attendance Allowance is about the level of need — not whether help is actually being received. Your loved one does not need to have a carer in place to qualify, and it is irrelevant whether they live alone or with family. What matters is that they have needed that level of care for at least six months (or are terminally ill). People living in a care home funded by the local authority are not eligible, but self-funders in care homes can still claim.
How does it interact with other funding?
Receiving Attendance Allowance does not affect most means-tested benefits and does not reduce entitlement to other support. It can actually trigger additional benefits — most notably Carer's Allowance for the person providing regular care. The money can be spent on anything that helps with care needs — it does not need to be spent on a formal carer.
How to apply
Applications are made via a DWP form (AA1), available at gov.uk or by calling 0800 731 0122. The form asks detailed questions about care needs and many families understate needs when completing it. Getting help with the form — from a benefits adviser or Age UK — can make a real difference to the outcome.
Many families miss out on Attendance Allowance simply because they are not aware of it. We cover this and other funding options in our care consultation. Book a consultation →