Did you know that pensioners struggling with daily tasks due to a health condition could be missing out on up to £441.60 every four weeks? It’s all thanks to a non means-tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) called Attendance Allowance. This extra cash could help ease the financial pressure many older adults face—without affecting their State Pension or other benefits.
Benefit
Attendance Allowance is designed for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. It’s tax-free, non means-tested, and doesn’t affect your savings or other income.
There are two rates:
- Lower rate: £73.90 per week for help during the day or night
- Higher rate: £110.40 per week for help both day and night or if you’re terminally ill
This means claimants receive:
- £295.60 every four weeks (lower rate)
- £441.60 every four weeks (higher rate)
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to have a carer to claim. The money is yours to spend on whatever helps you stay independent—taxis, cleaners, bills, or home aids.
Eligibility
You could qualify for Attendance Allowance if:
- You’re over State Pension age
- You have a disability, illness, or mental health condition
- You need help with personal care or staying safe during the day, night, or both
Common reasons people qualify include:
- Struggles with dressing, bathing, eating, getting out of bed
- Need for supervision to avoid accidents or harm
- Sensory conditions like visual or hearing impairments
- Mental health issues such as dementia, depression, or anxiety
You don’t need to be receiving care already—you just need to need it.
Conditions
Here’s a list of conditions that may make you eligible, based on DWP data. This isn’t a checklist, but it gives you an idea of the range of health issues covered:
| Physical Health | Mental Health | Other Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Arthritis | Dementia | Hearing loss |
| Back Pain | Psychosis | Visual disorders |
| Heart Disease | Depression | Frailty |
| Parkinson’s | Anxiety | HIV/AIDS |
| Diabetes | Personality Disorder | Renal Disorders |
| MS & Stroke | Learning Difficulties | Cancer |
| COPD & Asthma | Autism | Haemophilia |
| Epilepsy | Behavioural Disorders | Long COVID |
If you’ve been diagnosed with more than one condition, DWP will usually consider the main disabling issue when processing your claim.
Application
Applying can seem daunting, but with the right help, it’s straightforward. You’ll need to fill in a detailed form outlining how your condition affects your daily life.
Here are Independent Age’s top tips to help complete your application:
- Be specific: explain what you struggle with, even if no one helps you
- Detail how long tasks take and how often you need help
- Mention if some days are worse than others
- Include activities you avoid because they’re too difficult
- Explain any risks when care isn’t received—like falls
- Attach any medical or carer evidence you have
You can get support with your form from Citizens Advice or download a guide from Independent Age.
Payments
The benefit is paid every four weeks, directly into your bank account. Here’s what you could receive:
| Rate | Weekly Amount | Monthly Total |
|---|---|---|
| Lower | £73.90 | £295.60 |
| Higher | £110.40 | £441.60 |
You can use the money for any purpose, including:
- Paying for transport (taxis or mobility aids)
- Getting a cleaner or gardener
- Helping with heating or other bills
- Buying helpful devices or adaptations
No Impact
Unlike many benefits, Attendance Allowance won’t affect:
- Your State Pension
- Your earnings, if you’re still working
- Any savings or other income
Plus, receiving Attendance Allowance could actually increase other entitlements, such as:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
It’s a win-win.
Application Process
You can:
- Download the form from the GOV.UK website
- Call to have a form posted to you
- Get help filling it out from Citizens Advice
Don’t let the paperwork put you off. Many people who qualify never apply simply because they assume they won’t be eligible—or they’re overwhelmed by the form.
If you’re nearing State Pension age, consider whether you might be better off applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead—it could offer higher support initially.
Ineligibility
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If your PIP or DLA ends and you still have care needs, then you can apply for Attendance Allowance.
FAQs
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No, it doesn’t depend on income or savings.
Can I claim if I don’t have a carer?
Yes, you only need to show that you need help.
Does it affect my pension or savings?
No, it won’t affect your State Pension or savings.
How often is Attendance Allowance paid?
It’s paid every four weeks directly to your bank.
Can I get help filling out the form?
Yes, Citizens Advice and charities like Independent Age can help.
