A Clear Guide to Attendance Allowance: What It Is and How to Apply
Paying for care, or the extra help you need at home, is a major worry for many families. However, there is a key government benefit designed to help, and millions of eligible people still don’t claim it. It’s called Attendance Allowance.
The Most Important Fact About Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is NOT means-tested. It doesn’t matter how much income you have or what’s in your savings account. It is also tax-free and isn’t based on your National Insurance contributions. It is paid based on your needs, not your finances.
Who is Eligible for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is for people who are over State Pension age and have a physical disability, a mental disability (including dementia), or both, which means they need help or supervision.
- You must be over State Pension age (If you are under this age, you would apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead).
- You must have a condition or disability that means you need help with personal care or supervision to keep you safe.
- You must have needed this help for at least 6 months (you can apply before the 6 months is up, but payment won’t start until then).
What Does “Needing Help or Supervision” Actually Mean?
This is where many people get confused. You don’t need to have a carer or be severely disabled to qualify. It’s about the help you need, even if you don’t actually get that help right now.
Help with Personal Care
- This can include tasks like:
- Washing, bathing, or showering.
- Getting dressed or undressed.
- Help with eating or drinking.
- Taking medication.
- Getting in or out of bed.
Needing Supervision
- This means needing someone to “keep an eye on you” to avoid danger, such as:
- Preventing falls (e.g., if you are unsteady on your feet).
- Helping if you have seizures or blackouts.
- Assisting if you get confused (e.g., due to dementia).
- Assisting with medical appliances (e.g., a stoma bag).
The Two Payment Rates (2025/26 Figures)
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different weekly rates, depending on the level of support you need. A professional (like your GP) does not decide this; it’s based on the information you provide on your application form.
Lower Rate: (e.g., £72.65 per week)
You need frequent help or supervision either during the day or at night.
Higher Rate: (e.g., £108.55 per week)
You need help or supervision both during the day and at night (or if you are terminally ill).
Please note: These figures are for 2025/26 and are updated by the government each April.
How to Apply (The Form AA1)
- Step 1 – Get the Form:
- The easiest way is to call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to request a form.
- You can also download it from the GOV.UK website.
- Step 2 – Keep a Diary:
- Before you fill in the form, keep a diary for a week.
- Write down every single thing you need help with, even if it’s small (like cutting up food or help with buttons) and any time you felt unsafe.
- Step 3 – Be Honest and Detailed:
- When filling in the form, focus on the help you need, not just the help you get.
- Describe your “worst days,” not just your best.
- Explain why you need help (e.g., “I need help to get out of the bath because I am at high risk of falling”).
- Step 4 – Get Help:
- This form is complex. We strongly recommend asking for help to fill it in.
- Organisations like Age UK or Citizens Advice often have trained advisors who can guide you.
How Attendance Allowance Can Help You at Home
Attendance Allowance is designed to help you live safely and independently at home. You can spend the money on anything that makes your life easier, including paying for a professional home care provider. At Cardea Healthcare Northamptonshire, our services are a perfect match for the support the benefit is intended for, from companionship and supervision to help with personal care.
Final Check: Should You Apply?
If you are over State Pension age and you need help with your personal care or need supervision to stay safe (even if you don’t get that help right now), you should apply. Remember, your savings and income do not matter. Claiming can also sometimes unlock other benefits, like Pension Credit.