Key Facts: 2026 Attendance Allowance Increase
- Higher rate: £114.60/week (up from £110.40 — increase of £4.20/week)
- Lower rate: £76.70/week (up from £73.90 — increase of £2.80/week)
- Percentage increase: 3.8% (based on September 2025 CPI)
- Effective from: 7 April 2026
- Annual gain: up to £218.40 more per year at the higher rate
- Not yet claiming? Call 0208 081 4500 — you could be missing £5,959/year
Also see: What is Attendance Allowance Used For?
What Is the DWP Attendance Allowance Increase for 2026?
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that Attendance Allowance rates increased by 3.8% from 7 April 2026. This is the annual uprating that applies to all disability benefits, calculated using the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) from September 2025.
If you already receive Attendance Allowance, the increase is automatic — you do not need to do anything. Your payments will already reflect the new amounts since April. If you have not checked your bank statements recently, here is what you should now be receiving:
New vs Old Rates — Side by Side Comparison
| Rate | 2025/26 (old) | 2026/27 (new) | Weekly increase | Annual increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher rate | £110.40 | £114.60 | +£4.20 | +£218.40 |
| Lower rate | £73.90 | £76.70 | +£2.80 | +£145.60 |
What Does This Mean in Real Terms?
People search for Attendance Allowance amounts in different ways. Here is the complete breakdown for 2026/27:
| Time Period | Higher Rate | Lower Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Per week | £114.60 | £76.70 |
| Per 4 weeks (how it’s paid) | £458.40 | £306.80 |
| Per calendar month (approx.) | £497 | £332 |
| Per year | £5,959.20 | £3,988.40 |
Attendance Allowance is tax-free and not means-tested. Your savings, pensions, or other income have no effect on the amount you receive.
Why Did Attendance Allowance Go Up by 3.8%?
All DWP disability benefits are uprated annually in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measured the previous September. In September 2025, CPI stood at 3.8%, so all rates from April 2026 reflect that figure.
This is the standard uprating process — it happens every year and is announced by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, usually in November of the preceding year, with new rates taking effect the following April.
| Year | Higher Rate | Lower Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | £101.75 | £68.10 | 10.1% |
| 2024/25 | £108.55 | £72.65 | 6.7% |
| 2025/26 | £110.40 | £73.90 | 1.7% |
| 2026/27 (current) | £114.60 | £76.70 | 3.8% |
Source: GOV.UK — Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027
Are You Getting the Right Rate?
Many people receive the lower rate when they should be on the higher rate. The difference is £37.90 per week — that is £1,970.80 per year you could be missing.
You qualify for the higher rate if you have difficulties or need help or supervision during both day and night. Common reasons people are on the wrong rate:
- Their original form did not adequately describe night-time needs
- Their condition has worsened since the original claim
- They did not mention needing supervision (as opposed to physical help)
- They minimised their difficulties on the form
If any of these apply, you can request a supersession — a reassessment based on a change of circumstances. Our Occupational Therapists handle supersessions as well as new claims.
On the lower rate? A successful upgrade to the higher rate is worth an extra £1,970.80 per year. Our OTs can assess whether your current needs justify the higher rate and complete the supersession paperwork.
Not Yet Claiming? Here Is What You Are Missing
Approximately 800,000 eligible pensioners do not claim Attendance Allowance at all. If you are over State Pension age (66) and have any health condition that affects daily life, you may be entitled to up to £5,959.20 per year — completely tax-free.
Receiving Attendance Allowance can also unlock:
- Pension Credit Severe Disability Addition: £82.90/week extra
- Council Tax Reduction: up to 100% discount
- Carer’s Allowance for your carer: £81.90/week
- Disabled Persons Railcard: a third off rail fares for you and one adult companion
Combined, a successful higher-rate claim can bring in over £10,000 per year in additional household income.
How We Help
At Attendance Allowance Services, our HCPC-registered Occupational Therapists:
- Assess your daily care needs via phone or home visit
- Complete the AA1 form with the clinical detail the DWP requires
- Provide professional OT evidence supporting your claim
- Target the correct rate from the outset — maximising your award
Our success rate is 99% across 5,000+ claims. There is no fee unless your application is successful.
Could you be getting more?
Whether you’re not claiming at all or think you should be on the higher rate — our free check takes 2 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Attendance Allowance go up in April 2026?
Yes. Both rates increased by 3.8% from 7 April 2026. The higher rate is now £114.60/week (up from £110.40) and the lower rate is £76.70/week (up from £73.90).
Do I need to do anything to get the increase?
No. If you already receive Attendance Allowance, the increase is applied automatically. You should see the new amount in your bank statements from April 2026 onwards.
When is the next Attendance Allowance increase?
The next increase will take effect in April 2027. The amount will be based on the CPI figure from September 2026, which is published in October 2026. The DWP typically confirms the exact new rates in November.
Why did I get less than £114.60 this week?
If you are receiving less than £114.60, you are on the lower rate (£76.70). This means your original claim was assessed as having difficulty needing help during the day or night, not both. You may be able to request a supersession if your needs have increased.
Does the increase affect Pension Credit?
The Severe Disability Addition within Pension Credit also increased in April 2026. If you receive both AA and Pension Credit, both amounts will have gone up. Your total household income from benefits may be £200+ more per year than last year.
