What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you're State Pension age and have a physical disability, mental disability, or health condition. It's extra money to help with the costs of looking after yourself if you have an illness or disability.

What matters is how your condition affects you, not what your condition is. You do not have to have someone caring for you to claim.

What You'll Get (2025 Rates)

Attendance Allowance is paid every 4 weeks at two different rates, depending on the level of help you need:

Which Rate Will You Get?

Lower rate: You'll receive this if you need frequent help or constant supervision during the day OR supervision at night.

Higher rate: You'll receive this if you need help or supervision during the day AND at night, or if you're terminally ill.

Attendance Allowance is tax-free and is paid directly into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Who Can Claim?

You can claim Attendance Allowance if all of the following apply:

• You're State Pension age or over
• You have a physical disability, mental disability, or health condition
• You've needed help for at least 6 months (this doesn't apply if you're terminally ill)
• You meet the residence and presence conditions

What Counts as Needing Help?

You might qualify if you need help with things like:

Personal Care

• Washing, bathing or showering
• Getting in and out of bed
• Dressing and undressing
• Eating and drinking
• Using the toilet
• Taking medication
• Communicating your needs
• Getting around your home safely

Supervision

• Staying safe throughout the day or night
• Avoiding danger
• Being watched over to prevent accidents

Common Myths About Attendance Allowance

Other Benefits You Could Get

If you get Attendance Allowance, you could also be entitled to:

• Pension Credit (Severe Disability Addition): An extra £82.90 per week if you qualify
• Housing Benefit: Extra help with rent
• Council Tax Reduction: Discount on your Council Tax bill
• Blue Badge: Free or discounted parking
• Disabled Persons Railcard: 1/3 off train fares for you and a companion

If someone cares for you and you receive Attendance Allowance, they may be able to get Carer's Allowance.

Terminal Illness

If you're terminally ill (not expected to live more than 12 months), special rules apply that make it easier and quicker to claim:

• You'll automatically get the higher rate
• You don't have to meet the 6-month qualifying period
• Your claim will be processed more quickly
• Someone else can make the claim on your behalf

You'll need an SR1 form from a doctor or specialist nurse to support your claim.

How to Claim

Step 1: Get the Claim Form

There are three ways to get the form:

• Call the Attendance Allowance helpline: 0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317)
• Apply online: GOV.UK Attendance Allowance
• Download the form: From the GOV.UK website

Step 2: Fill in the Form

The form can seem daunting, but take your time:

• Be specific: Describe your worst days, not your best ones
• Include everything: Even tasks that take longer or cause pain
• Mention night-time needs: Many people forget to include help needed at night
• Attach supporting evidence: GP letters, care plans, prescription lists
• Get help if needed: Contact Age UK or Citizens Advice for assistance

Step 3: Return the Form

Post your completed form to:

Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance

(You don't need a postcode or stamp)

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

After you send your claim, you'll get a text or letter within 3 weeks explaining when to expect a decision. The typical processing time is 6-8 weeks, though it can vary.

Once a decision is made, you'll get a letter explaining the outcome. If you're awarded Attendance Allowance, the letter will tell you when you'll get your first payment.

If Your Claim is Refused

If your application is turned down, don't give up. You have the right to:

• Ask for a mandatory reconsideration: Request that DWP looks at the decision again
• Appeal: If you still disagree after mandatory reconsideration
• Reapply: If your circumstances change or your condition worsens

Many people are successful on appeal, so it's worth challenging a decision if you believe it's wrong. Contact Age UK or Citizens Advice for help with appeals.

The Reality: Don't Miss Out

Hundreds of thousands of people who qualify for Attendance Allowance never claim it. Either they don't know about it, or they think they won't qualify.

Many applications are turned down because people don't mention, or aren't clear about, how their illness or disability affects their lives. But with the right information in your application, you could be entitled to thousands of pounds per year.

Contact Information

Attendance Allowance Helpline

• Telephone: 0800 731 0122
• Textphone: 0800 731 0317
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 731 0122
• British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service available

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Apply online at GOV.UK

Get Help with Your Application

If you need help understanding or applying for Attendance Allowance, contact:

• Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (8am-7pm, 365 days a year)
• Citizens Advice: Visit citizensadvice.org.uk
• Your local Age UK: Find your nearest office for face-to-face help