Benefits for people who are State Pension age

  1. Overview
  2. State Pension
  3. Pension Credit
  4. Housing Benefit
  5. Council Tax Support and reductions
  1. Attendance Allowance
  2. Winter Fuel Payment
  3. Help with health costs
  4. Funeral Expenses Payment

6. Attendance Allowance

You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if you are over State Pension age and you have a health condition or disability which affects your ability to do day-to-day activities and you need help or supervision with your personal care. 

Your income or capital does not affect your entitlement to Attendance Allowance. An award of Attendance Allowance is disregarded as income for other benefits and it may help you qualify for benefits for the first time. It may also increase the amount of benefits you are already getting.

The purpose of an award is to help you to live independently and to meet your additional needs, you can spend it in which way that suits you best.

Eligibility

You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if all of the following apply to you:

  • you are over State Pension age
  • you have a health condition or disability which means you would benefit from help with personal care or supervision to keep you safe during the day and/or night. Any type of illness or disability can be considered including sight or hearing impairments or mental health issues such as dementia.
  • you are not already in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment
  • you must have had your difficulties for at least 6 months before making a claim. If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and your life expectancy is less than 6 months this does not apply to you.
  • you must have been in the UK for 2 out of the last 3 years

Claim under special rules

If you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness and your life expectancy is less than 12 months you automatically qualify for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.

You do not have to complete the parts on the claim form relating to your personal care needs. You will need a form SR1 form from your GP, consultant or specialist nurse to support your application. Someone else can make the application on your behalf. 

Rates of Attendance Allowance 

Attendance Allowance is paid at a lower rate and a higher rate.

You may qualify for the lower rate of Attendance Allowance if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and the higher rate of Attendance Allowance if you need help or supervision during the day and night.

You can find the up to date Attendance Allowance rates on GOV.UK

How to claim

Attendance Allowance is paid by the Attendance Allowance Unit, part of the DWP.

Further information on the qualifying conditions, amounts paid and how to claim can be found on Attendance Allowance on GOV.UK. 

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Benefits and financial help