If you’re over State Pension age and living with a health condition that affects your daily life, you might be missing out on up to £441.60 a month in extra income. Sounds helpful, right? That’s where Attendance Allowance comes in—a non means-tested benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) that could make a big difference to your budget.
Here’s everything you need to know, including who can claim, how much you could get, and tips to boost your chances of a successful application.
Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit designed to support people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to an illness, disability, or mental health condition. And the best part? It’s non means-tested, tax-free, and won’t affect your State Pension or other DWP support.
Depending on the level of help you need, you could receive either:
- £73.90 per week (lower rate – for day or night care)
- £110.40 per week (higher rate – for day and night care, or terminal illness)
That adds up to either £295.60 or £441.60 every four weeks—extra income to use however you like.
Eligibility
You don’t need a carer or diagnosis to qualify—just regular support needs due to a physical, mental or sensory condition. If you struggle with tasks like getting dressed, washing, moving around safely, or even managing medication, you might be eligible.
Here’s what Attendance Allowance can help with:
- Getting in and out of bed
- Using the toilet or bathing
- Taking medication or managing treatments
- Avoiding falls or confusion
- Needing supervision to stay safe
It also covers mental health conditions, sensory impairments (like hearing or vision loss), and learning disabilities.
Conditions
Wondering if your condition is covered? While there’s no set list, the DWP’s system shows some of the main health issues linked to successful claims:
- Arthritis, back pain, joint or limb conditions
- Visual or hearing disorders
- Heart, lung or respiratory diseases
- Parkinson’s, MS, or other neurological disorders
- Mental health issues like dementia or psychosis
- Diabetes or metabolic diseases
- Cancer or chronic pain syndromes
- Frailty or age-related decline
If your condition affects your daily life or puts you at risk without support, you should definitely consider applying.
Application
Claiming Attendance Allowance involves filling out a detailed application form—but don’t let that scare you off. It’s your chance to explain your daily struggles and why you need help.
Independent Age, a leading UK charity, offers these 7 top tips to improve your form:
- Explain your daily difficulties clearly and honestly.
- Answer every question, with real-life examples.
- Include time taken for tasks and help you need—even if no one helps.
- Describe variable conditions and how bad things can get.
- Mention tasks you avoid due to discomfort or risk.
- Highlight the impact when you don’t get the help you need.
- Add supporting evidence like letters from your GP or carer.
Need help? You can call Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or visit their website for a factsheet.
Spending
You can use your Attendance Allowance payment however you want. It’s there to help you live more independently. People often spend it on:
- Taxis or transport to appointments
- Help with household bills
- Hiring a cleaner, gardener, or home help
- Extra care items like mobility aids
There’s no restriction—you don’t need receipts or proof of spending.
Impact
Here’s the bonus: getting Attendance Allowance could also increase your other benefits. That includes:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit top-ups
- Council Tax Reduction
Because Attendance Allowance is non-taxable and not means-tested, it doesn’t count towards the Benefit Cap, and there’s no savings or income limit.
Application
You can apply for Attendance Allowance by calling the DWP or downloading the form from the GOV.UK website. It might take time to fill in, but if you prefer, your local Citizens Advice can help walk you through it step by step.
Important: If you’re approaching State Pension age, you may be better off applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. PIP includes a mobility component which Attendance Allowance does not—so it may offer more financial support.
Ineligible
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you’re already receiving:
- PIP (for daily living support)
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
If you apply while still on DLA, your case may be reviewed, and it could impact your current benefit.
Attendance Allowance could give you up to £441.60 extra a month, completely tax-free and non means-tested. Whether it’s help with personal care or staying safe at home, this benefit can make a huge difference in your daily life.
Don’t miss out on money you’re entitled to—claiming is worth the effort.
FAQs
How much is Attendance Allowance monthly?
Up to £441.60 every four weeks, tax-free.
Do I need a carer to claim?
No, just regular support needs due to health issues.
Does it affect State Pension?
No, Attendance Allowance doesn’t impact your pension.
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No, it doesn’t consider savings or income.
Can it increase other benefits?
Yes, it may boost Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
