What is Attendance Allowance? 

Attendance Allowance is a disability based benefit for those over state pension age which acknowledges that one has a disability and requires ‘substantial, frequent attention and supervision at numerous intervals throughout the day/night’.  

Frequent attention can mean things like prompting and reminding due to high level of fatigue   

Supervision means things like being assisted to complete and engage in the activity. 

What are the basic qualifying conditions?   

Apart from the usual qualifying criteria, you will need to prove that the health conditions have existed for 6 months before the date of the claim.   

How much is Attendance Allowance? 

Attendance Allowance is paid at 2 rates: 

• Low rate £73.90
• High rate £110.40

You qualify for low rate if you need assistance with day or night time needs.  

You qualify for the high rate if need assistance/supervision with both daytime and night time needs.  

What activities does Attendance Allowance look at?  

Attendance Allowance looks at the following activities;  

• Getting in/out of bed  
• Toilet needs  
• Getting dressed 
• Getting washed  
• Taking medication  
• Mobilising indoors  

How to make a claim? 

You can download a claim form here:
https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/how-to-claim
Or contact Attendance Allowance to request a claim form on 0800 731 0122.  

How to complete the claim? 

When looking through the claim form, you should consider any difficulties that you have with any of the activities so things like high levels of fatigue, pain which means that it takes you a long time to complete the specific activity this can be considered when determining your entitlement.  

It may be useful to complete the form with a family-member/friend who is able to comment on the difficulties that you experience.  

It is also useful to include any evidence with the claim, namely any medical evidence or statements from family members or friends.   

What effect does an Attendance Allowance claim have on my existing benefits?  

If you are claiming Attendance Allowance and are in receipt of means tested benefits, this can create an entitlement to means tested benefits such as; Pension Credit/Housing Benefit and can make a significant difference to your finances. If you wish to discuss this, please do discuss this with us.   

If a claim for Attendance Allowance is successful and one is providing 35 hours a week of care subject to the rules on Carers Allowance, this can create entitlement.

Please refer to the Carer Allowance page

This advice is provided by our Benefits Advisor, Robert Mandelstam. The information provided above is up to date for the financial year ending 5th April 2026.

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