Attendance Allowance
Who can claim Attendance Allowance, and what does it involve?
The short answer
Attendance Allowance is support for people over State Pension age who need help, supervision or care because of a physical or mental health condition. It is not means-tested, so income and savings are not usually part of the decision. What matters is the help a person needs — not whether they currently receive that help.
Who it is for
If you or someone you care for needs help, supervision or support because of a physical or mental health condition, Attendance Allowance may be something worth looking into. People often assume they need a formal diagnosis, a carer, or a certain level of income. None of those are the starting point.
Many of the families we speak to had assumed they would not qualify, and had never looked into it.
What the form asks about
The form is long, and that puts people off. It asks about everyday tasks and how much difficulty they cause:
- Washing, dressing and personal care
- Moving around the home, and falls
- Preparing food and eating
- Supervision needed during the day or night
- Memory, confusion and communication
Where people go wrong
The most common problem we see is understatement. People describe a good day rather than a typical one, or leave out help a family member already provides informally. The form is asking about need, and it needs the honest, ordinary detail of daily life.
Not sure whether this applies to you?
Tell us what's happening. The initial benefits assessment is free and there's no obligation.
Common questions
Does income or savings affect Attendance Allowance?
No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so income and savings are not usually part of the decision.
Do I need a carer to claim?
No. It is about the help a person needs, not whether anyone currently provides it.
Does it affect other benefits?
It can increase some other entitlements rather than reduce them. This is one of the things we look at when we speak to you.
Can I apply for someone else?
Yes, with their consent. Many of the enquiries we receive come from a son or daughter.
How long does a decision take?
Timescales vary. We will tell you what to expect and what happens if the decision is not what you hoped for.
This guide explains the general position and is not a decision about your circumstances. Entitlement depends on individual circumstances and is decided by the relevant authority.