Benefits Robin

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age (currently 66) who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental health condition. It is one of the most commonly unclaimed benefits in the UK — an estimated one million eligible people do not claim it. It is not means-tested, which means your income, savings, investments, and property have no bearing on eligibility.

There are two rates: a lower rate of up to £73.90 per week if you need help during the day or night, and a higher rate of up to £110.40 per week if you need help both during the day and at night. Over the course of a year, the higher rate amounts to over £5,700. You do not need to have been formally diagnosed with a specific condition — the claim is based on how your health affects your daily life.

You do not need to have a carer to claim Attendance Allowance. The benefit is based on the help you need, not whether you currently receive it. Many successful claimants live alone and manage with difficulty. Common qualifying conditions include arthritis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, COPD, diabetes complications, vision or hearing loss, and mobility difficulties. Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety can also qualify.

Attendance Allowance is often called a "gateway benefit" because receiving it can unlock significant additional support. It may qualify you for a Severe Disability Premium added to your Pension Credit (up to £81.50/week extra), a Council Tax disability reduction, and it allows someone who cares for you to claim Carer's Allowance (up to £81.90/week). These cascading benefits can mean the total value of an Attendance Allowance claim is worth significantly more than the payment itself.

Maximum amount

Up to £110.40/wk

Means-tested

No

Age group

Pension age (65+)

Processing time

8 to 12 weeks

Key Requirements

  • 1Aged 65 or over
  • 2Need help with personal care or supervision
  • 3Condition lasted or expected to last 6+ months

How to Apply

  1. 1Call 0800 731 0122 to request the claim form (AA1), or download it from GOV.UK
  2. 2Complete the form — describe how your condition affects you on your worst days
  3. 3Post the form to: DWP Attendance Allowance, Mail Handling Site A, Wolverhampton WV98 2AD
  4. 4The DWP will review your form and may contact your GP or arrange an assessment

What you may need

  • Your National Insurance number
  • GP or hospital doctor details (name, address, phone)
  • Details of all medications and treatments
  • Description of how your conditions affect daily living
  • Details of anyone who helps you and what they do

Helpful tips

  • Describe your worst days, not your average days — this is standard DWP guidance and better reflects your actual situation
  • Include how often you need help (e.g., "approximately 3–4 times per day")
  • Mention what would happen without help (e.g., risk of falling)
  • Ask your GP if they can provide a supporting letter

Phone

0800 731 0122

Form

AA1

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

GP contact details

Name, address, and phone number of your GP surgery

Essential

Medication details

Names and doses of all current medications

Essential

Care description

A detailed description of help you need during the day and night

Recommended

GP or specialist letter

A supporting letter describing your conditions

Helpful

Care diary

A week-long diary of care and supervision received

Benefits You Could Unlock with Attendance Allowance

Receiving Attendance Allowance may make you eligible for additional support. These are sometimes called “passported” or “cascading” benefits — you could qualify automatically or with a simplified application.

+

Carer's Allowance

Someone who cares for you 35+ hours/week could claim this

Up to £83.30/wk

+

Pension Credit (Severe Disability Premium)

Receiving AA can add a severe disability premium to your Pension Credit

Up to £81.50/wk extra

+

Council Tax Reduction

May qualify you for a disability reduction on your Council Tax

Related Benefits

Pension Credit

Tops up weekly income for people over State Pension age.

Up to £218.15/wk (couple)

Council Tax Reduction

Reduction on Council Tax for people on low income or receiving certain benefits.

Up to 100% discount

Carer's Allowance

For people who care for someone with a disability 35+ hours per week.

Up to £81.90/wk

Warm Home Discount

Annual discount on electricity bill for those on Pension Credit or low income.

£150/year

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for Attendance Allowance?
People aged 65 or over who have a physical or mental condition that has affected them for at least 6 months and means they need help with personal care, supervision, or someone to watch over them. You do not need to have a carer or a formal diagnosis — the claim is based on how your condition affects your daily life.
Do I need a carer to claim Attendance Allowance?
No. You do not need to have a carer. Attendance Allowance is based on the help you need, not whether you currently receive it. Many successful claimants live alone and manage with difficulty. If you struggle with tasks like washing, dressing, preparing meals, or getting around your home safely, you may be eligible.
Will my savings affect my Attendance Allowance claim?
No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. Your income, savings, investments, property, and whether you own your home have no bearing on eligibility. Even if you have substantial savings or a private pension, you can still claim.
What are the two rates of Attendance Allowance?
The lower rate (up to £73.90/week, approximately £3,840/year) is for people who need help during the day or night. The higher rate (up to £110.40/week, approximately £5,740/year) is for people who need help both during the day and at night. Night-time needs might include help getting to the toilet, repositioning in bed, or needing someone nearby in case you fall.
Can Attendance Allowance unlock other benefits?
Yes. Receiving Attendance Allowance may qualify you for: a Severe Disability Premium on Pension Credit (up to £81.50/week extra), a Council Tax disability reduction, Carer's Allowance for someone who looks after you (up to £81.90/week), and Warm Home Discount. The total value of these additional benefits can far exceed the Attendance Allowance payment itself.
How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
Call 0800 731 0122 to request the AA1 claim form, or download it from GOV.UK. The most important part is describing how your condition affects you on your worst days — include what help you need, how often, and what would happen without it. Post the completed form and the DWP will review it. Most claims do not require a face-to-face assessment. Processing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.