The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides Attendance Allowance, a benefit for people over State Pension age who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. Successful claimants can receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on the level of support needed.
These payments are made every four weeks, totalling £295.60 or £441.60 respectively. This additional income can be used as the recipient sees fit to meet their needs and maintain independence in their own home – it doesn’t necessarily have to be spent on a carer.
This tax-free benefit, specifically designed to assist older people, will not impact any other State support you may be receiving. Independent Age, a charity, has produced a factsheet to guide new claimants through the application process, along with seven top tips for completing the form.
According to the most recent DWP figures from February 2025, over 1.7 million people across Great Britain, including 155,200 in Scotland, were claiming this benefit, reports the Daily Record.
It’s crucial to note that Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, meaning that, unlike Pension Credit, any income from retirement earnings or savings will not be considered.
Guidance for completing the Attendance Allowance application form
Independent Age advises: “The decision maker will use your claim form to work out whether you qualify for Attendance Allowance, so it’s important to give as much detail as possible.”
They suggest anyone filling in the form should:
- Explain how your condition affects your day-to-day life and what personal tasks you have difficulties with
- Answer all the questions if you can and give examples
- Include the time it takes you to carry out specific tasks and how much help you need with them, even if there’s no one to help you
- Explain how your needs change and how bad your difficulties can be if some days are better than others
- Mention any things you avoid doing because they’re difficult for you – for example, if it’s difficult bending and reaching to put on and take off socks, even while you’re sitting down
- Explain what happens when you don’t receive the care you need, especially if this has left you at risk of falls or struggling to manage
- Send supporting information if you’re able to – for example, from your carer, GP or consultant.
More help and support is available on the Independent Age website here or by calling them on 0800 319 6789.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance assists with additional costs if you have a disability, physical or mental health condition, or illness severe enough that it makes self-care difficult – it does not cover mobility needs.
You don’t need to have someone caring for you to make a claim.
Who can claim?
If you have a disability or illness and require help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night – even if you’re not currently receiving that help – you should apply for Attendance Allowance.
This might include:
- Help with your personal care – for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
- Help to stay safe
You should consider applying if you struggle with personal tasks, such as those that take a significant amount of time, cause discomfort or require physical assistance, like needing a chair for support. Attendance Allowance isn’t solely for people with a physical disability or illness.
It’s also advisable to claim if you require assistance or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
- a mental health condition
- learning difficulties
- a sensory condition – if you are deaf or visually impaired
The main disabling conditions for Attendance Allowance
These medical conditions are derived from data recorded on the DWP‘s Attendance Allowance computer system. The DWP states that when more than one condition is present, the primary disabling condition is reported.
It’s crucial to understand that this list is not a checklist for claiming Attendance Allowance, but rather it’s intended to help people comprehend what types of conditions are supported. However, if you require additional support during the day or night due to a long-term illness, disability or health condition, you should consult the official eligibility guidance on the GOV.UK website here.
- Arthritis
- Spondylosis
- Back Pain
- Disease Of The Muscles, Bones or Joints
- Trauma to Limbs
- Visual Disorders and Diseases
- Hearing Disorders
- Heart Disease
- Respiratory Disorders and Diseases
- Asthma
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Peripheral vascular Disease
- Epilepsy
- Neurological Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Metabolic Disease
- Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Major Trauma Other than Traumatic Paraplegia/Tetraplegia
- Learning Difficulties
- Psychosis
- Psychoneurosis
- Personality Disorder
- Dementia
- Behavioural Disorder
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Hyperkinetic Syndrome
- Renal Disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Bowel and Stomach Disease
- Blood Disorders
- Haemophilia
- Multi System Disorders
- Multiple Allergy Syndrome
- Skin Disease
- Malignant Disease
- Severely Mentally impaired
- Double Amputee
- Deaf/Blind
- Haemodialysis
- Frailty
- Total Parenteral Nutrition
- AIDS
- Infectious diseases: Viral disease – Coronavirus covid-19
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could be eligible for £73.90 if you need assistance during the day or at night, or £110.40 if you require help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. The benefit is paid every four weeks, which means you could receive either £295.60 or £441.60 each pay period.
The money can be spent as you wish and could assist in maintaining your independence at home for a longer period.
This might include:
- paying for taxis
- helping towards bills
- paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I apply for Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Indeed, you can. Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested, so it doesn’t matter what other income you have or how much you have saved – there’s no upper limit.
It is also tax-free and exempt from the Benefit Cap, meaning no deductions will be made from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance impact my State Pension?
No, it won’t affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you’re still employed and earning.
How does Attendance Allowance influence other benefits?
Your other benefits might increase if you receive Attendance Allowance, these include:
- Additional Pension Credit.
- Housing Benefit Reduction.
- Council Tax Reduction.
How do I submit a claim?
You’ll need to fill out a lengthy claim form when applying for Attendance Allowance. It may seem intimidating initially, but assistance is available from your local Citizens Advice, so don’t let the form deter you from applying.
If you’d rather handle it yourself, you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to complete your claim form here. Comprehensive instructions on how to obtain the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you’re considering applying for Attendance Allowance upon reaching State Pension age, it might be more beneficial to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) immediately – this could potentially result in a higher payout.
Who is ineligible for Attendance Allowance?
You will not qualify for Attendance Allowance if you are already receiving PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to cover your care costs. If you submit an application for Attendance Allowance while on DLA, the DWP will typically reassess your DLA award.
You have the option to renew your PIP or DLA when the current award expires, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. If your renewal is unsuccessful, you can then apply for Attendance Allowance. More details about Attendance Allowance can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
