FAQ

1. What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability, illness, or long-term health condition.

 

2. Who can claim Attendance Allowance?

You can claim if:

 

You are over State Pension age

 

You have a disability or health condition

 

You need help with personal care or supervision

 

You have needed help for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill)

 

3. Do I need to have a carer to claim Attendance Allowance?

No. You do not need to have someone currently caring for you. You just need to show that you need help or supervision.

 

4. What kind of help counts for Attendance Allowance?

Help can include:

 

Washing, dressing, or bathing

 

Getting in and out of bed

 

Using the toilet

 

Managing medication

 

Help during the night

 

Supervision to stay safe

 

Support with severe anxiety or confusion

 

It can count even if you don’t currently receive the help.

 

5. How much is Attendance Allowance?

There are two weekly rates:

 

Lower rate – for those needing help during the day or the night

 

Higher rate – for those needing help during both day and night, or who are terminally ill

 

(The exact amounts change annually—please check the latest government updates.)

 

6. How do I apply for Attendance Allowance?

You can apply by:

 

Downloading a claim form from the government website

 

Calling the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a form

 

Completing the form and returning it to the address provided

 

7. What information do I need to provide on the form?

The form will ask for details about:

 

Your health conditions

 

The help you need

 

How your condition affects your daily life

 

Medication and treatments

 

Any recent hospital stays

 

8. Will I need a medical assessment?

Most people do not need a face-to-face assessment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may contact your GP or other healthcare professionals for information.

 

9. Does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?

Attendance Allowance can increase entitlement to other benefits, such as:

 

Pension Credit

 

Housing Benefit

 

Council Tax Reduction

 

It does not reduce or replace your State Pension.

 

10. Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?

No. It does not depend on your income or savings.

 

11. Will claiming Attendance Allowance affect my carer’s benefits?

If someone cares for you, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance, but only if you receive the higher or lower rate of Attendance Allowance and they meet the other criteria.

 

12. Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I live in a care home?

You usually cannot claim if the local authority is paying for your care. If you pay for your own care, you may still be eligible.

 

13. How long does a decision take?

Most applications take several weeks. It can be faster for people who are terminally ill under “special rules.”

 

14. What happens if my condition changes?

If your care needs increase, you should inform the DWP—you may be entitled to the higher rate.

 

15. Can I challenge a decision?

Yes. You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration if you disagree with the decision.