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Attendance Allowance is extra money you can claim if you’re over State Pension age and need regular help with your personal care. It is non-means tested, so you can claim it whatever your income or savings.
You may be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you:
If you're terminally ill, you can claim Attendance Allowance straightaway.
For a fuller list of personal care activities, see our Attendance Allowance factsheet.
Attendance Allowance (AA) is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care you need:
Lower rate – £59.70 per week
if you need care or supervision during the day or night
Higher rate – £89.15 per week
if you need care or supervision during the day and night, or if you're terminally ill
Your level of income and savings aren’t taken into account when deciding if you’re eligible for AA, and you don’t have to spend your AA on care – it’s up to you how you spend the money.
AA will not reduce other benefits you receive, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. In some cases, you may find that if you are awarded AA you’re entitled to higher rates of these other benefits because of your extra needs.
If you want to apply for Attendance Allowance you can download a claim form or call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to ask for an application pack.
You can ask for help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if you have difficulties claiming because of a disability or health condition - for example, if you have problems reading or filling in forms, understanding complex information, or using a phone or computer. Visit Gov.uk for more information.
The decision-maker uses your claim form to work out whether you qualify for Attendance Allowance so it’s important to give as much detail as possible.
You should:
For more tips on filling in your form, see our Attendance Allowance factsheet.
Some people find that if they’ve lived with their health problem for a long time, they overlook or underestimate their difficulties so it’s a good idea to get help to fill in the form. Contact your local Age UK or Citizens Advice.
The DWP should give you a written explanation if they turn down your claim. If you’re not happy with the decision, you generally have one month to make an appeal. Call our Helpline for more advice.
Download a claim form from Gov.uk or call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to ask for an application pack.
If you need help filling in the form, contact your local Age UK or Citizens Advice.