What is Attendance Allowance?
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In short: A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of illness or disability. It is paid at two weekly rates — lower and higher — depending on how much care you need, and is not means-tested.
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Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs of disability for people who have reached State Pension age. You must have needed care or supervision for at least six months (unless terminally ill). The lower rate applies if you need frequent help during the day or night; the higher rate if you need help day and night or are terminally ill.
Weekly rates are uprated each April — check gov.uk for current amounts in 2026/27. The benefit is tax-free, not affected by savings or other income, and ignored for Pension Credit calculations in a way that can increase other entitlements. It does not cover mobility needs — under State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment covers daily living and mobility instead.
You can spend Attendance Allowance as you choose — on a carer, taxis, heating, or anything else. Claims are made on form AA1A by post; there is no online application. A successful claim can also open the door for a carer to claim Carer's Allowance if they meet the earnings and hours rules.
Primary source: gov.uk/attendance-allowance
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