Attendance Allowance: Attendance Allowance, provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is a vital financial support for seniors living in the UK who are over State Pension Age and require personal care or supervision in daily life due to illness, disability, or mental health problems. This benefit helps them live at home with dignity and independence.
Fact-check: According to the latest DWP data (February 2025), over 1.7 million people in Great Britain are currently receiving this benefit.
What is Attendance Allowance and who is it for?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit intended to help with the additional costs seniors incur when they require personal care. This benefit is specifically designed for those who:
Need assistance with tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, or going to the toilet.
Require protection or supervision during the day or night, for example, due to an epileptic seizure or risk of falling.
Need assistance due to a mental health condition, learning disability, or sensory impairment (such as vision or hearing loss).
Important point: You don’t need to have a caregiver to apply for this benefit. Benefit needs are based on how much assistance you need, not whether you’re actually receiving it.
How much can you get?
The amount of the benefit depends on the level of your care needs:
Low rate: £73.90 per week – if you only need help during the day or night.
High rate: £110.40 per week – if you need help both day and night, or if you are seriously ill.
Payments are made every four weeks, meaning you’ll receive either £295.60 (low rate) or £441.60 (high rate) each time. You can spend this money any way you wish, such as taxi fare, paying bills, or hiring help with housecleaning.
Eligibility: Can you claim?
The key feature of Attendance Allowance is that it’s not means-tested. This simply means:
Your income, savings, or pension amount does not affect your eligibility for this benefit.
It does not affect your state pension.
You can apply even if you are working.
In addition, this benefit may enhance other government supports such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Support.
How to Apply?
The application process involves completing a detailed form. Charities like Independent Age offer the following tips to ensure your application is effective:
Detail: Don’t simply write, “I have trouble walking.” Explain how this problem affects your daily life, such as how long it takes to climb stairs or how often you have to stop.
Give examples: Provide concrete examples for each problem.
Describe the time: It’s important to explain how much longer than usual it takes you to do something.
Describe ‘bad days’: If your condition fluctuates, explain how severe it becomes on bad days.
Describe the risks: Explain what risks may arise if you don’t get the help you need, such as the risk of falling.
Additional information: If possible, attach a letter or report from your doctor (GP) or carer.
You can download the application form from the http://GOV.UK website or order it by phone. For assistance, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
Important exceptions and precautions
Residents of Scotland: People living in Scotland cannot apply for Attendance Allowance. They must apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead.
Recipients of PIP or DLA: If you are already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you are not eligible for Attendance Allowance. In such a case, dual benefits cannot be obtained.
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above situations, Attendance Allowance can provide significant financial relief. By applying with the correct information, you can take advantage of this vital assistance.