More than 1.67 million people across Great Britain are now receiving Attendance Allowance, a non-means-tested benefit that provides financial support to people over State Pension age who require help with personal care because of a disability, long-term illness, or mental health condition.
This support aims to help older individuals maintain their independence and manage the additional costs linked to daily living and supervision. According to reporting by the Daily Record, the benefit does not include mobility assistance but remains an essential resource for many households. Attendance Allowance continues to serve as a crucial tool in sustaining aging populations at home.
Non-means-Tested Support for Care—Not Mobility
Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates depending on the level of supervision or care required:
- £73.90 per week (lower rate), for those needing frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night
- £110.40 per week (higher rate), for those who require help both day and night, or have a terminal condition with a life expectancy under 12 months
Payments are made every four weeks, amounting to £296.60 or £441.60 per period. It is tax-free, not affected by savings or income, and not subject to the Benefit Cap.
It is important to note that Attendance Allowance does not include any mobility component.
Most Common Conditions Supported by the Benefit
Among the 1,672,590 claimants, the following health conditions are the most commonly reported by recipients:
- Arthritis – 483,376 (including 44,455 in Scotland)
- Dementia – 173,170
- Heart disease – 124,528
- Respiratory conditions – 104,098
- Back pain – 74,804
- Cerebrovascular disease – 74,716
- Visual disorders – 50,993
- Parkinson’s disease – 44,440
- Neurological conditions – 35,597
These 10 conditions alone account for around 75% of all claims.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify, applicants must be of State Pension age or older and experience a physical or mental disability that results in a need for care or supervision.
The condition must be severe enough that the individual requires support to manage personal tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, getting in or out of bed, or remaining safe at home.
You do not need to have a carer to apply, and your current receipt of help is not a prerequisite—only the need is assessed.
The application requires completing a long claim form (AA1). In cases where the impact of the condition is unclear, a face-to-face assessment by a health professional may be arranged. Support is available from organizations such as Citizens Advice, Independent Age, and Age UK, including help via phone, email, or webchat.
Claimants diagnosed with a terminal illness may access a fast-tracked process.
Additional Benefits and Compatibility
Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase entitlement to other benefits such as:
- Pension Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- £10 Christmas Bonus, as it is a qualifying benefit
A person caring for a recipient of Attendance Allowance may be eligible for Carer’s Allowance.
Limitations and Exclusions
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if:
- You already receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
- You live in a care home where your care is fully paid by your local authority
- You live in Scotland and are making a new claim (see next section)
Those already on DLA or PIP who apply for Attendance Allowance may trigger a reassessment of their existing award.
UK nationals living in or moving to the EU, EEA or Switzerland may remain eligible in certain circumstances.
What’s Changing in Scotland
As of now, people in Scotland must apply for the Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), administered by Social Security Scotland. PADP offers the same level of financial support but is part of Scotland’s devolved benefits system.
There are currently 150,000 claimants in Scotland receiving Attendance Allowance. All existing Scottish claimants will be automatically transferred to PADP by the end of 2025, with notifications issued by the Department for Work and Pensions and Social Security Scotland.
If a claimant moves from Scotland to England or Wales, they must:
- Inform Social Security Scotland
- Apply for Attendance Allowance within 13 weeks of moving, or their support may stop
Choosing the Right Benefit at Pension Age
People nearing State Pension age should consider applying for PIP or ADP instead of Attendance Allowance. These benefits can offer higher payments—up to £749.80 per month—and include a mobility component.
The choice depends on the individual’s current situation and long-term needs.
Improving Independence and Access to Support
The goal of Attendance Allowance is to help older individuals maintain independence in their own homes by offsetting the cost of care-related expenses. These could include:
- Hiring a cleaner or gardener
- Paying for transport
- Covering increased utility costs
