The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is urging older people across Great Britain to check their eligibility for a valuable, tax-free benefit that can provide crucial financial support. Attendance Allowance offers payments of up to £441.60 every four weeks to individuals over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability, or mental health condition.
What is Attendance Allowance and who can claim?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit designed specifically for those who have reached State Pension age. It provides financial assistance for the additional costs arising from a condition that makes personal care challenging. Crucially, you do not need to have a carer already in place to qualify.
The benefit is paid at two rates. The lower rate of £73.90 per week is for those who need help either during the day or at night. The higher rate of £110.40 per week is for individuals who need help both day and night, or who are terminally ill. These payments are made every four weeks, resulting in totals of £295.60 or £441.60 respectively.
According to the latest DWP statistics from February 2025, over 1.7 million people in Great Britain were successfully claiming this support.
Top tips for a successful application
The charity Independent Age, which supports older people, has issued a vital factsheet with guidance for completing the often-daunting application form. Their key advice is to provide exhaustive detail, as a DWP decision-maker will rely solely on this form to assess your claim.
Independent Age's seven top tips are:
- Explain in detail how your condition affects your daily life and the specific personal tasks you struggle with.
- Answer every question you can and use real-life examples to illustrate your points.
- Include how long tasks take you and describe the level of help you need, even if no one is currently helping you.
- Describe how your needs fluctuate – explain your worst days and how your difficulties change.
- Mention activities you avoid because they are too difficult, like bending to put on socks.
- Explain the risks or what happens when you don't get the care you need, such as an increased risk of falls.
- Send supporting information from professionals like your GP, consultant, or carer if possible.
More support is available directly from Independent Age via their website or by calling 0800 319 6789.
Key facts and how it affects other benefits
Attendance Allowance is a uniquely flexible form of support. The money is paid directly to you, tax-free, and you can spend it in any way that helps you maintain independence – whether on taxis, bills, a cleaner, or other costs. It is not means-tested, so savings and other income do not affect eligibility, and it is exempt from the Benefit Cap.
Importantly, receiving Attendance Allowance will not reduce your State Pension and you can claim it even if you are still working. In fact, it can act as a gateway to increased amounts of other support. An award can lead to higher payments for:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
It is vital to note that you cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for care. If you are approaching State Pension age, it may be more beneficial to apply for PIP first. Once a PIP or DLA award ends, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance if you remain eligible.
The DWP lists a wide range of conditions that claimants have, from arthritis and heart disease to dementia and mental health conditions. However, the key factor is not the condition itself, but the level of care or supervision you need because of it.
To start a claim, you must request a form from the GOV.UK website or by phone. While the form is detailed, organisations like Citizens Advice can provide free help to complete it, ensuring you don't miss out on this critical financial support.
