Benefits Robin

PIP vs Attendance Allowance

Compare PIP and Attendance Allowance — who may be eligible, payment rates, assessment process, and which benefit could be right for you.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Maximum amount

Up to £184.30/week

Means-tested

No

Age group

Working age (16 to State Pension age)

Key features

  • Two components: daily living and mobility
  • Each component has standard and enhanced rates
  • Assessed via a points-based system
  • Usually requires a face-to-face or phone assessment
  • Not affected by income or savings
  • Can be claimed whether or not you work

Attendance Allowance

Maximum amount

Up to £110.40/week

Means-tested

No

Age group

State Pension age and over (65+)

Key features

  • Two rates: lower and higher
  • No mobility component
  • No face-to-face assessment in most cases
  • Based on care or supervision needs
  • Not affected by income or savings
  • Can act as a gateway to other benefits like Pension Credit

Key Differences

Age requirement

Personal Independence Payment

Aged 16 to State Pension age at time of claim

Attendance Allowance

Must be State Pension age or over (typically 65+)

Mobility support

Personal Independence Payment

Includes a mobility component (up to £72.65/week)

Attendance Allowance

No mobility component available

Assessment process

Personal Independence Payment

Points-based assessment; usually includes a consultation with a health professional

Attendance Allowance

Paper-based assessment in most cases; rarely requires a consultation

Maximum weekly amount

Personal Independence Payment

Up to £184.30/week (both components at enhanced rate)

Attendance Allowance

Up to £110.40/week (higher rate)

Qualifying period

Personal Independence Payment

Difficulties must have lasted or be expected to last at least 3 months

Attendance Allowance

Difficulties must have lasted or be expected to last at least 6 months

Transition

Personal Independence Payment

If already receiving PIP when you reach State Pension age, you may continue on PIP

Attendance Allowance

New claims after State Pension age are for Attendance Allowance

Which Could Be Right for You?

Your age at the time of your claim is the main factor. If you are under State Pension age, PIP is the relevant benefit. If you are over State Pension age and making a new claim, Attendance Allowance is the relevant benefit. If you were already receiving PIP before reaching State Pension age, you may continue to receive it. It is worth noting that PIP includes a mobility component while Attendance Allowance does not, so the maximum amount available through PIP is higher.

Can You Claim Both?

No, you cannot receive both PIP and Attendance Allowance at the same time. They are designed for different age groups. If you are transitioning from working age to pension age and already receiving PIP, you may continue on PIP rather than switching to Attendance Allowance.

Learn More About Each Benefit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Up to £184.30/week · Working age (16 to State Pension age)

View benefit details

Attendance Allowance

Up to £110.40/week · State Pension age and over (65+)

View benefit details

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my PIP when I reach State Pension age?
If you are already receiving PIP when you reach State Pension age, you can generally continue to receive it. Your award will be reviewed as normal. You do not need to switch to Attendance Allowance unless you choose to make a new claim. However, if your PIP award ends after you reach State Pension age and you need to make a new claim, you would typically apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Is Attendance Allowance easier to get than PIP?
The assessment process for Attendance Allowance is generally considered less intensive than PIP. Most Attendance Allowance claims are decided based on the paper form alone, without a face-to-face assessment. PIP claims usually involve a consultation with a health professional. However, both benefits require you to demonstrate how your condition affects your daily life, and both decisions are made by the DWP.
Can receiving PIP or Attendance Allowance help me get other benefits?
Yes, both can act as gateway benefits. Receiving PIP or Attendance Allowance may mean you qualify for additional support such as Carer's Allowance for your carer, Council Tax Reduction, an increase in Pension Credit or Universal Credit, and exemption from the benefit cap. Attendance Allowance can be particularly valuable for unlocking the severe disability addition in Pension Credit.

Check what benefits you could be entitled to

Our free eligibility checker covers 20+ UK benefits. It takes around 15 minutes and there is no obligation.

Check eligibility

Check your eligibility for 20+ UK benefits

Bank-level securityGDPR compliant15-minute check

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.