TL;DR
Attendance Allowance helps people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental health condition. It is not means-tested, so savings and income do not affect it, and it is tax-free. There are two weekly rates for 2026/27: a lower rate of £76.70 and a higher rate of £114.60. You normally need to have needed help for at least six months. It can also increase other benefits such as Pension Credit.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What Attendance Allowance is
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care, or supervision to stay safe, because of a physical or mental health condition. It is paid because of the help you need, not the help you actually receive, so you can get it even if no one currently provides that care. It is not means-tested and is tax-free, which makes it different from most other benefits aimed at this age group.
The two rates for 2026/27
There are two weekly rates. The lower rate of £76.70 is for people who need help or supervision during the day or during the night. The higher rate of £114.60 is for people who need help or supervision both during the day and during the night, or who are nearing the end of life. The rates usually change each April, so it is worth checking the GOV.UK rates page for the current figures.
Who can claim
You can claim if you are over State Pension age and have needed help with things like washing, dressing, eating, moving around indoors, or staying safe, because of a disability or health condition. The condition can be physical, mental, or both, and includes sensory conditions and long-term illness. If you have not yet reached State Pension age, the equivalent help is provided through Personal Independence Payment instead.
The six-month rule and end of life
You normally need to have needed help for at least six months before you can be paid Attendance Allowance. There is an important exception for people who are nearing the end of life: special rules allow a faster claim, paid at the higher rate, without the six-month qualifying period. A health or social care professional can help with the supporting information for these claims.
It is not means-tested
Attendance Allowance does not take your income or savings into account, so it does not matter how much you have. It is also not counted as income for other benefits. In fact, claiming it can increase other support, because it can qualify you for extra amounts in Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax support, such as the severe disability addition.
How claiming can unlock other help
An award of Attendance Allowance can act as a gateway to further help. It can lead to the severe disability addition in Pension Credit, additional Housing Benefit, and a reduction in Council Tax. For carers, an Attendance Allowance award for the person they look after can be one of the qualifying benefits for Carer's Allowance or the Universal Credit carer element. Because of this, it is worth checking the knock-on effects when you claim.
How to claim
You claim using the Attendance Allowance claim form, which you can request from the DWP or complete using the details on GOV.UK. The form asks detailed questions about how your condition affects you on a typical day and night. It helps to describe your difficulties fully, including the help you need even if you do not currently get it, and any days that are worse than others. Keeping a diary of your needs before you complete the form can make this easier.
Attendance Allowance in Scotland
Attendance Allowance applies in England and Wales. In Scotland it has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, which is administered by Social Security Scotland and provides equivalent support. If you live in Scotland, you claim Pension Age Disability Payment rather than Attendance Allowance, although the underlying purpose is the same.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. Rates and rules are set by the DWP and can change each April. For help with a claim, contact a free adviser such as Citizens Advice or Age UK. Figures are from the GOV.UK source below.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Attendance Allowance in 2026/27?
There are two weekly rates: a lower rate of £76.70 and a higher rate of £114.60.
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Your income and savings are ignored, and it is tax-free.
Who can claim Attendance Allowance?
People over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental health condition. Under State Pension age, the equivalent is Personal Independence Payment.
Do I have to have needed help for a certain time?
Usually you must have needed help for at least six months, although special rules allow a faster claim at the higher rate for people nearing the end of life.
Can Attendance Allowance increase my other benefits?
Yes. It can unlock extra amounts such as the severe disability addition in Pension Credit, additional Housing Benefit and a Council Tax reduction.
Does Attendance Allowance apply in Scotland?
No. In Scotland it has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, which provides equivalent support.
