What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free UK benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability. It is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care required.
It is not means-tested and does not depend on savings or income
How Much Is Attendance Allowance?
There are two weekly rates:
- Weekly Lower rate – £76.70 for people who need help during the day or night
This equates to £3,988.40 per year Tax Free income
- Weekly Higher rate – £ 114.60 for people who need help during both day and night, or who are terminally ill
This equates to £5,959.20 per year Tax Free income
Payments are made every four weeks and which total several thousand pounds per year of much needed support.
Read our full guide on: Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify if:
- You are over State Pension age
- You have a physical disability, mental health condition, cognitive impairment or long-term illness, diabetes
- You have needed help for at least six months (unless terminally ill)
- You live in the UK
Importantly, you do not need to already receive care. The assessment looks at the help you reasonably require, not what you currently receive.
Read our dedicated guide on Attendance Allowance for dementia
See the full DWP list of 57 qualifying conditions with statistics
What Counts as “Help”?
This includes assistance with:
- Washing and dressing
- Managing medication
- Eating or preparing food
- Using the toilet
- Staying safe due to falls risk or confusion
- Supervision because of dementia or vulnerability
Many people wrongly assume they “aren’t disabled enough” — yet still qualify and without professional clinical guidance miss out or much needed support.
What About Scotland?
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, delivered by Social Security Scotland.
The eligibility principles are very similar (same eligibility rules), but the application process differs and now involves a much longer 88 page application form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Savings and income do not affect eligibility.
Can I claim if I live alone?
Yes. Living alone does not prevent you qualifying.
Does it affect my State Pension?
No. It is paid in addition to your pension.
How We Help
At Attendance Allowance Services, our HCPC-registered clinicians assess care needs professionally and prepare evidence-based applications then enforce them with the healthcare professional HCPC stamp, this clinical oversight and endorsement maximises the likelihood of success first time.
📞 Speak to our team for a confidential discussion about eligibility. Tel: 0208 05 03055
2️⃣ How Do I Apply for Attendance Allowance?
How Do You Apply?
You can ask Attendance Allowance Services and our HCPC-registered clinicians will complete the Attendance Allowance claim form (AA1), which is 32 pages long and requires detailed descriptions of care needs. Or you can call the DWP on Tel: 0800 731 0122 or download an application form online from the DWP website.
In Scotland, again you can ask Attendance Allowance Services and our HCPC-registered clinicians will complete the Pension Age Disability Payment claim form for you which has been extended to 88 pages. Or you can call the SSS on Tel: 0800 182 2222 and request an application from via post.
Read our detailed application guide
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Request or Download the Form
Contact the Department for Work and Pensions (or apply online in Scotland).
Step 2: Complete Every Section in Detail
You must explain:
- How your condition affects daily life
- What help you need
- What happens if help isn’t available
- Frequency and severity of difficulties
Step 3: Provide Supporting Evidence
GP letters, consultant reports, medication lists and care plans can help support the claim.
Step 4: Submit the Form
Keep copies of everything.
Step 5: Wait for Decision
Processing times vary, often between 6–12 weeks.
Common Reasons Applications Fail
- Understating care needs
- Writing brief answers
- Not explaining worst-case scenarios
- Missing clinical supporting evidence
- Focusing on diagnosis rather than functional impact
This is why many families seek professional guidance clinicians or medical experts.
Learn what evidence to include
FAQ
Can someone apply on my behalf?
Yes, with permission or as an appointed representative like Attendance Allowance Services, Age UK or Citizens Advice
Can claims be backdated?
Yes, usually to the date the form was requested.
What if I’m refused?
You can request a mandatory reconsideration and appeal.
The major majority of clients contacting Attendance Allowance Services have been rejected on at least once occasion or are contacting us to assist with building a case with clinical support for the mandatory reconsideration process.
Read our full guide on what to do if your Attendance Allowance is rejected
Download our free Attendance Allowance guides
How We Support Applications
Our registered clinicians:
- Conduct structured assessments
- Identify qualifying care needs
- Evidence functional limitations
- Prepare professionally endorsed applications
Thousands of pensioners across the UK have secured awards with our support.
