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Attendance Allowance explained

A valuable benefit, explained in plain English

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help or supervision because of a disability or health condition. It is not means-tested.

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An older man and his adult son reviewing a letter and paperwork together at home.
2026/27 rates£76.70 or £114.60 a week

What you could receive

Two weekly rates, based on the level of help needed

Income and savings do not reduce Attendance Allowance. Rates normally change each April.

Lower rate

£76.70a week

For frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.

Equivalent to £3,988.40 over 52 weeks.

Higher rate

£114.60a week

For help or supervision throughout both day and night, or where special end-of-life rules apply.

Equivalent to £5,959.20 over 52 weeks.

Rates shown are for 2026/27. Official source: GOV.UK — what you’ll get.

The main eligibility test

It is about the help or supervision you need

You may qualify if you have reached State Pension age and a physical disability, sensory disability, mental disability, learning difficulty or health condition means you need help caring for yourself or supervision for safety.

In most cases, that need must have existed for at least six months. Different rules apply when a medical professional says someone may have 12 months or less to live.

State Pension ageHealth condition or disabilityHelp or supervision neededUsually needed for six months

What may count

Needs during the day and during the night

The form needs a truthful, detailed picture. Occasional good days do not erase recurring difficulty, and help can include prompting or supervision as well as hands-on assistance.

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Day-time help

  • Washing, bathing and dressing
  • Eating and drinking
  • Using the toilet
  • Taking medication safely
  • Communicating needs
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Night-time needs

  • Getting in or out of bed
  • Using the toilet during the night
  • Managing pain or breathlessness
  • Preventing falls or wandering
  • Responding to confusion or distress
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Supervision and prompting

  • Remembering essential tasks
  • Staying safe around appliances
  • Managing dementia or confusion
  • Avoiding harm to self or others
  • Prompting to eat, wash or take medicine

Useful to know

What Attendance Allowance is — and is not

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It is tax-free

Attendance Allowance is listed by HMRC as a state benefit on which Income Tax is not paid.

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It is not means-tested

Your earnings and savings do not determine the rate.

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There is no mobility component

The award is based on care and supervision needs, not a separate mobility payment.

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An assessment is not automatic

GOV.UK says an assessment is required only where it is unclear how the condition affects the claimant.

Applying

You can claim online or by post

The application asks for contact details, National Insurance number, information about the condition, GP details and relevant care-home, hospital or hospice details.

  1. Choose online or post. A postal form can be printed or requested from the Attendance Allowance helpline.
  2. Describe the impact. Give specific examples of what happens, how often it happens and what help would reasonably be needed.
  3. Keep a copy. Retain the completed form and any supporting material.
  4. Read the decision carefully. A refusal or lower award can be challenged.

Eligibility and application information: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance. Information on this page is general and individual circumstances can change the position.

Frequently asked

Attendance Allowance questions

Does the claimant need a formal diagnosis?

The decision is based on the disability or health condition and the resulting need for help or supervision. Medical information can support a claim, but the form must still explain the practical day-to-day effects.

Can Attendance Allowance increase other benefits?

An award may lead to additional Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction in some circumstances. The office dealing with those benefits should be asked to check.

What if the claimant lives in a care home?

Attendance Allowance is not usually payable when local-authority funding covers the care-home costs. It may still be payable where the resident meets all of their own care costs.

Can a decision be challenged?

Yes. The usual first step is Mandatory Reconsideration, normally requested within one month of the decision letter.

A simple first conversation

Let us make the detailed form feel manageable.

We will ask about real daily life, explain what matters and prepare the paperwork with care.

Start a claimCall 0800 6522 953
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