What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a financial benefit provided to people over State Pension age who have a disability, long-term illness, or health condition that makes it challenging to look after themselves. This benefit, administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is designed to help with the extra costs of daily living. Importantly, Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs, focusing solely on personal care and supervision.
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Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you:
- Have a physical or mental disability or illness that requires help or supervision during the day, at night, or both.
- Need assistance with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, or using the toilet.
- Require supervision to stay safe due to a health condition.
- Experience pain, take longer to complete tasks, or need physical support like leaning on a chair.
You can still apply even if you don’t have a formal carer. Conditions such as mental health challenges, learning difficulties, or sensory impairments (e.g., being visually impaired or deaf) are also considered.
How Much Could You Receive?
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care required:
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week (£290.60 every four weeks) for those needing help during the day OR night.
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week (£434.20 every four weeks) for those needing help both day AND night, or for those who are terminally ill.
The benefit is paid every four weeks, providing 13 payments over the course of a year.
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Key Benefits of Attendance Allowance
- Tax-free: Attendance Allowance is completely tax-free.
- Non-means-tested: Your income and savings do not affect your eligibility.
- Exempt from the Benefit Cap: You won’t lose money from other benefits if you receive Attendance Allowance.
- Additional Support: Receiving Attendance Allowance could increase your entitlement to other benefits like Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.
- Flexibility: You can spend the money as you choose, whether on taxis, household help, or bills.
Conditions Commonly Supported
The DWP supports a wide range of conditions through Attendance Allowance. The 10 most commonly supported conditions include:
- Arthritis: 469,902 claimants
- Dementia: 170,225 claimants
- Heart Disease: 120,914 claimants
- Respiratory Conditions: 100,530 claimants
- Diseases of Muscles, Bones, or Joints: 83,594 claimants
- Cerebrovascular Disease: 73,475 claimants
- Back Pain: 72,553 claimants
- Visual Disorders: 50,107 claimants
- Parkinson’s Disease: 43,367 claimants
- Neurological Conditions: 34,804 claimants
How to Claim Attendance Allowance
Claiming in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Claims are processed by the DWP. You can:
- Download the application form: Visit the official GOV.UK website.
- Request a paper form: Call the Attendance Allowance helpline.
- Seek assistance: Charities like Age UK and Independent Age offer guidance and support in completing your application.
Claiming in Scotland
Attendance Allowance is being replaced by the Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland. Currently available in selected areas (e.g., Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City), it will roll out nationwide by April 2025. The eligibility criteria are similar, and applications can be made through Social Security Scotland.
What Happens If You’re in a Care Home?
You cannot usually claim Attendance Allowance if your care home costs are funded by your local authority. However, you are still eligible if you pay for all your care home expenses yourself.
Will Attendance Allowance Affect My State Pension?
No. Attendance Allowance is separate from your State Pension and does not affect its amount. You can receive both without any reductions.
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Additional Facts About Attendance Allowance
- Attendance Allowance helps older people remain independent in their own homes for longer.
- Payments are made every four weeks.
- You do not need a carer to apply.
- If you’re approaching State Pension age, you should apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which include mobility support and can provide up to £737 per month.
- Attendance Allowance claimants receive a £10 Christmas Bonus annually.
- Assessments are rarely required and are only conducted if additional clarification is needed.
- UK nationals living in or moving to the EU, EEA, or Switzerland may still qualify for Attendance Allowance.
Why Apply for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance can provide essential financial support, helping you or your loved ones manage daily living costs, maintain independence, and improve quality of life. With no impact on other benefits and the freedom to use the money as needed, it’s a valuable resource for those eligible.
For more information, visit GOV.UK or contact local charities like Age UK for assistance in making your claim.
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