# Attendance Allowance explained: rates, eligibility and how to claim > Benefits & tax · Last updated 4 July 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/attendance-allowance-explained/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/benefits-tax/attendance-allowance-explained.md ## Quick answer Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of illness or disability. It is not means-tested and is paid at a lower or higher weekly rate depending on how much care you need. Attendance Allowance is one of the most under-claimed UK benefits. It helps with the extra costs of disability after State Pension age — taxis, heating, a cleaner, or paying a family carer — and can unlock Carer's Allowance for someone supporting you. This guide explains who qualifies, current rates and how the AA1A claim works. ## Key facts - You must have reached State Pension age and need care or supervision because of illness or disability - The lower rate applies if you need frequent help during the day or night; the higher rate if you need help both day and night, or are terminally ill - Attendance Allowance is tax-free, not means-tested, and ignored for Pension Credit in a way that can increase other entitlements - Claims are made on form AA1A by post — there is no online application ## Who can claim You must be over State Pension age and have needed help with personal care or supervision for at least six months because of a physical or mental disability. Terminal illness cases can be fast-tracked without the six-month wait. You must be in Great Britain when you claim and have been ordinarily resident for at least two of the last three years. Attendance Allowance does not cover mobility needs — under State Pension age, Personal Independence Payment covers daily living and mobility instead. You can claim even if no one actually provides the care — the test is whether you need the help, not whether you pay for it. ## Rates and how it is paid Two weekly rates apply in 2026/27: a lower rate for frequent day or night care needs, and a higher rate for care needed both day and night (or if you are terminally ill). Rates are uprated each April — check gov.uk for the exact figures when you claim. Payment is usually direct into your bank account every four weeks. It is tax-free and does not reduce other benefits. In some cases, a successful claim increases Pension Credit because Attendance Allowance is treated generously in the means test. ## How to claim and what happens next Download form AA1A from gov.uk, complete it with details of your conditions, medication and the help you need, then post it to the address on the form. Include GP or consultant contact details — DWP may phone them for confirmation. A successful claim can allow a carer who looks after you for 35+ hours a week to claim Carer's Allowance, provided they earn under the earnings limit. Report changes in your care needs promptly — underpayments can sometimes be backdated. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I get Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit? Yes. Attendance Allowance is ignored as income for Pension Credit and can increase the amount of Pension Credit you receive, which in turn unlocks other help such as council tax reduction. ### Does it cover dementia or arthritis? Yes, if the condition means you need the level of care described in the eligibility rules. Many successful claims relate to dementia, arthritis, Parkinson's and other long-term conditions. ### What if my claim is refused? Ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month, explaining which daily living tasks you struggle with and attaching any new medical evidence. Citizens Advice can help with appeals. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance ## Related - [What is Attendance Allowance?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/answers/what-is-attendance-allowance/) - [Am I eligible for Attendance Allowance?](https://moneyguide.org.uk/eligible-for/attendance-allowance/) - [Benefits estimator](https://moneyguide.org.uk/tools/benefits-estimator/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.