What to include in your Attendance Allowance application
Many applications are turned down because people don't mention or aren't clear about how their illness or disability...
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of illness or disability.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit that you might be able to claim if you need help with care or have an illness or disability.
The amount you get is based on the help you need, not any help you do or don't actually get. There are two different amounts, depending on how much help you need. Any money you do receive doesn't need to be spent on your care.
The money you receive isn't means-tested - so your savings or income won't affect your claim. Claiming also won't affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can actually help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
Since Age UK Durham helped me claim Attendance Allowance I don’t have to worry. All these years I could have been having help but I didn’t know.
How much Attendance Allowance could I get?
There are two rates of Attendance Allowance. What you get depends on the care you need. It's usually paid every 4 weeks.
These rates apply from April 2022 to April 2023.
| Rate | Amount per week | Who gets this? |
| Lower rate | £61.85 | You need help during the day or at night |
| Higher rate | £92.40 | You need help during the day and at night, or you're terminally ill |
Am I eligible to claim Attendance Allowance?
You can claim Attendance Allowance if you meet all the following criteria:
- You're over State Pension age (if you haven't reached it, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment instead).
- You have any type of disability or illness, including sight or hearing impairments, or mental health issues such as dementia.
- You could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night.
- You have needed help for at least 6 months. If you’re terminally ill you can make a claim straight away.
What extra money are you entitled to?
Do you know what benefits you are entitled to? Our Benefits Calculator can help you, quickly and easily, to find out what you could be claiming.
How do I claim Attendance Allowance?
To make a claim, you have to fill out the Attendance Allowance claim form. There are a couple of ways to get your form. You can:
- call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone 0800 731 0317)
- download a claim form from the GOV UK website.
When filling out the form, be really clear about how your illness or disability affects your life and attach any supporting information, such as GP letters, your care plans, or prescription lists.
Once you've submitted your form, the Department of Work and Pensions may contact you for more information or arrange a doctor visit. It's a good idea to prepare for this visit by writing things down you think the doctor should know about.
You'll get a letter about whether or not you’ll get Attendance Allowance, how much, and from what date. If you’re not happy with the decision, you can appeal. We have more information about appealing a benefits decision.
The Attendance Allowance form can be daunting. We have more tips that can help you filling it out. You can also visit your local Age UK for help from an adviser.
We're here to help
We offer support through our free advice line on 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year. We also have specialist advisers at over 125 local Age UKs.