Attendance Allowance is a benefit provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. This may be due to an illness, disability, or mental health condition. The payment is tax-free, non-means-tested, and does not affect other State benefits, making it a valuable lifeline for many older people.
In 2025, a successful claim is worth £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on the level of support required. Payments are made every four weeks, totaling £295.60 or £441.60. Importantly, the money can be used in any way you choose—it does not need to go toward a carer. Many recipients use it to stay independent and cover extra costs at home.
Attendance Allowance in Scotland
If you live in Scotland, new claims are no longer made through Attendance Allowance. Instead, you must apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which follows similar eligibility rules and payment rates. More information is available on mygov.scot.
Key Benefits of Attendance Allowance
- Non-means-tested – savings, pensions, or income won’t affect eligibility.
- Tax-free – you keep the full amount.
- Flexible use – spend it on what matters most to you.
- Helps independence – financial support allows many to remain at home longer.
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
You can apply if you are:
- Over State Pension age.
- Living with a disability, illness, or mental health condition that makes daily living tasks difficult.
- Needing help, support, or supervision during the day, at night, or both.
- You do not need to have a carer to qualify.
Examples of support needs:
- Getting in or out of bed.
- Washing, bathing, or showering.
- Eating and drinking.
- Dressing and undressing.
- Using the toilet.
- Staying safe from risks such as falls or accidents.
Even if you manage tasks slowly, with pain, or using aids, you may still qualify.
Common Conditions Supported by Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance covers a wide range of health conditions. The DWP lists the main disabling conditions recorded in claims, but this is not a checklist—eligibility is based on your personal care needs, not your diagnosis alone.
Conditions often linked to successful claims include:
- Arthritis and joint diseases
- Back pain and spinal conditions
- Heart and respiratory diseases (asthma, COPD, etc.)
- Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, MS, epilepsy)
- Mental health conditions (dementia, psychosis, depression)
- Vision and hearing impairments
- Cancer and other serious illnesses
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Frailty and age-related conditions
If you struggle with daily living due to a long-term condition, you should check official eligibility guidance on GOV.UK.
How Much Could You Get?
Attendance Allowance has two rates:
- Lower rate: £73.90 per week – if you need help during the day or at night.
- Higher rate: £110.40 per week – if you need help during both day and night, or are terminally ill.
Payments are made every four weeks, so you could receive:
- £295.60 at the lower rate.
- £441.60 at the higher rate.
That’s up to £5,740 a year, offering significant financial relief.
Tips for Filling in the Attendance Allowance Form
The application process can feel overwhelming, but giving clear, detailed information greatly improves your chances of success. The charity Independent Age offers these expert tips:
Describe daily challenges clearly
Explain how your condition affects everyday tasks such as bathing, eating, or moving around.
Provide detailed examples
Show how long activities take, the pain involved, and the help required—even if no one currently helps you.
Highlight fluctuating conditions
If your needs vary, explain your worst days as well as your better ones.
Mention what you avoid
For example, if bending to put on socks is too difficult, include this detail.
Explain risks when unsupported
Note situations where you are at risk of falling or unable to cope safely.
Add supporting evidence
Include information from your GP, consultant, or carer if possible.
Answer every question
Even if you repeat details, it shows the extent of your challenges.
The decision maker relies entirely on the information you provide, so be as thorough as possible.
Why Many Older People Miss Out
Despite the clear benefits, many eligible people don’t claim Attendance Allowance. Common reasons include:
- Believing they won’t qualify.
- Feeling embarrassed to ask for help.
- Assuming savings or pensions make them ineligible.
- Struggling with the long application form.
But remember:
- It’s not means-tested – your income and savings don’t matter.
- You don’t need a carer – eligibility is based on need, not whether someone helps you.
- Claiming won’t affect other benefits – in fact, it may increase eligibility for some.
Attendance Allowance Statistics
According to the DWP’s February 2025 figures:
- Over 1.7 million people in Great Britain receive Attendance Allowance.
- More than 155,000 claimants live in Scotland (on PADP instead).
These numbers show the importance of the benefit, but also highlight that many more could still qualify.
How to Apply
You can apply by:
- Calling the Attendance Allowance helpline (GOV.UK provides the number).
- Downloading and printing the form from GOV.UK.
- Requesting a form by post.
If you live in Scotland, apply for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) instead.
When completing the form, take your time, gather medical evidence, and seek help from organisations like Age UK or Independent Age if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness, disability, or a mental health condition.
How much can I receive on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £73.90 per week at the lower rate or £110.40 per week at the higher rate. Payments are made every four weeks, totaling up to £441.60 each month.
Do I need a carer to qualify for Attendance Allowance?
No. You can claim even if you don’t have a carer. Eligibility is based on the support you need, not whether someone provides it.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my other benefits?
No. Attendance Allowance is tax-free and non-means-tested, meaning it won’t reduce other State benefits. In some cases, it may even increase entitlement to benefits like Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
Who can apply for Attendance Allowance?
Anyone over State Pension age with a long-term illness, disability, or health condition that makes daily living tasks difficult may apply.
What’s the difference between Attendance Allowance and PADP in Scotland?
In Scotland, new claims go through the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), which has the same eligibility rules and payment rates as Attendance Allowance.
How do I apply for Attendance Allowance?
You can apply by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline, downloading the form from GOV.UK, or requesting a paper form by post.
Conclusion
Attendance Allowance is more than just financial help—it’s a lifeline that gives older people the confidence and independence to manage daily life with dignity. With payments of up to £441 each month, this benefit can ease the pressure of extra costs caused by illness, disability, or frailty. Best of all, it’s tax-free, non-means-tested, and won’t reduce other benefits you may receive. If you or someone you love struggles with personal care or supervision, don’t miss out on this valuable support. Take the time to apply, provide detailed information, and seek guidance from charities like Age UK or Independent Age if needed. A successful claim could make everyday life safer, more comfortable, and truly life-changing.