Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs of needing care because of an illness or disability. It is for people who have reached State Pension age. Millions of older people who could get it do not claim.

Who can get Attendance Allowance?

You may be able to get Attendance Allowance if:

• you have reached State Pension age
• you have a physical or mental illness or disability, including conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, dementia, sight or hearing loss
• you need help with personal care, or someone to keep an eye on you to stay safe
• you have needed this help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill)
• you live in England or Wales and have lived in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years (there are some exceptions)
• you do not already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance

It does not matter whether anyone actually helps you. It is about the help you need.

What counts as "personal care"?

Personal care means help with things to do with your body, such as:

• washing, bathing or showering
• dressing and undressing
• using the toilet
• eating and drinking
• taking medicines
• moving around indoors, or getting in and out of bed or a chair
• communicating

Supervision means needing someone nearby to keep you safe, for example because you might fall, have a seizure, or become confused.

The two rates

• Lower rate: if you need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or help or supervision at night.
• Higher rate: if you need help or supervision both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill.

Attendance Allowance does not have a mobility part. Problems walking outdoors are not covered on their own.

How it can boost your other income

Attendance Allowance itself is not affected by your income or savings. Getting it can also mean:

• more Pension Credit, or being able to get Pension Credit for the first time
• more Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction
• Carer's Allowance for someone who cares for you for 35 hours a week or more

Living in a care home

If the council or NHS pays for your care home, Attendance Allowance usually stops after 28 days. If you pay for your care home yourself, you can usually keep getting it.

How to claim

You claim using a form, online or on paper. See how to claim Attendance Allowance.