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Attendance Allowance

How to claim Attendance Allowance

You can claim Attendance Allowance for yourself, or help someone else claim. Here is how to get the form, fill it in well and what to expect.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 2 minute read

On this page
  1. Step 1: Get the form
  2. Step 2: Fill in the form
  3. Step 3: Send evidence
  4. Terminally ill? Use the special rules
  5. What happens next
  6. Free help

Step 1: Get the form

You can:

  • claim online at GOV.UK
  • download and print the form from GOV.UK
  • ask for a paper form from the Attendance Allowance helpline

If you ask for a form by phone, it will be date stamped. If you send it back within 6 weeks, your claim can start from the day you asked for it.

Step 2: Fill in the form

The form asks about the help you need during the day and at night. Tips:

  • Describe a typical week, including bad days and bad nights.
  • Think about safety. Could you fall? Do you forget things, like leaving the cooker on?
  • Say how long things take, and whether they cause pain or tiredness.
  • Say how often you need help, for example "I need help to get out of the bath every time" or "I get up 3 times a night to use the toilet".
  • Remember: it is about the help you need, not only the help you get.
  • Add extra pages if you need to, with your name and National Insurance number on each.
  • Keep a copy.

Step 3: Send evidence

Send copies of anything that shows your needs, such as letters from your GP or consultant, a list of your medicines, a care plan, or a short statement from someone who helps you.

Terminally ill? Use the special rules

If a doctor or nurse has said you may have 12 months or less to live, you can claim under the special rules. Ask them for an SR1 form. Claims are dealt with quickly, and you get the higher rate straight away with no waiting period.

What happens next

The DWP will write to you with a decision. Most decisions take a few weeks. If you are awarded Attendance Allowance, it is paid every 4 weeks into your bank account.

If you disagree with the decision, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month, and then appeal to a tribunal. The steps are the same as for challenging a PIP decision.

Free help

  • Age UK Advice: 0800 678 1602
  • Independent Age: 0800 319 6789
  • Citizens Advice and local welfare rights services

Common questions

Is there an assessment for Attendance Allowance?

Usually not. Most decisions are made from the form and any evidence you send. Sometimes the DWP asks for more information or arranges an assessment.

Can Attendance Allowance be backdated?

It is paid from the date your claim starts. If you ask for a form by phone and send it back within 6 weeks, your claim can start from the date you asked for it. It cannot be backdated before that.

Sources we used

We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.