Am I eligible for Attendance Allowance?
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In short. You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if you are over State Pension age, have needed care or supervision for at least six months because of illness or disability, and live in Great Britain. It is paid at a lower or higher weekly rate depending on how much help you need — and is not means-tested.
Attendance Allowance is one of the most under-claimed UK benefits. It helps with extra disability costs after State Pension age — and can unlock Carer's Allowance for a family carer and passported help such as council tax reduction. Unlike Personal Independence Payment, it does not cover mobility needs.
Last reviewed:
·Amount: Lower or higher weekly rate (2026/27 — check gov.uk for current figures)You likely qualify if…
- You have reached State Pension age
- You have needed help with personal care or supervision for at least six months because of a physical or mental disability (or are terminally ill)
- You are ordinarily resident in Great Britain and meet the presence tests
- You need frequent help during the day or night (lower rate) or help both day and night (higher rate)
- You can claim even if no one actually provides the care — the test is whether you need it
You likely don't if…
- You are under State Pension age — claim Personal Independence Payment (or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland) instead
- You have not yet needed help for six months (unless terminally ill)
- You need help only with mobility — Attendance Allowance does not cover getting around
- You live abroad or do not meet the residence and presence tests
How to check and claim
- 01Read the full eligibility rules at gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility
- 02Claims are made on form AA1A by post — there is no online application
- 03Include GP or consultant details on the form; DWP may contact them for confirmation
- 04Citizens Advice and Age UK can help you complete the form and gather supporting evidence
FAQ
- 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 and Cold Weather Payments.
- Does dementia qualify?
- Yes, if the condition means you need the level of care described in the eligibility rules — frequent help during the day, at night, or both. Many successful claims relate to dementia, Parkinson's and arthritis.
- Can a carer claim Carer's Allowance if I get Attendance Allowance?
- Yes — if someone looks after you for 35+ hours a week and earns under the Carer's Allowance earnings limit, your Attendance Allowance can qualify them to claim.
- 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.