What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance can help with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you. If you have a carer, they could be eligible for Carer’s Allowance as well.

Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?

To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, you must be over state pension age and the following apply:

You have a physical disability (including sensory disability, for example blindness), a mental disability (including learning difficulties), or both.
Your disability is severe enough for you to need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety.
You have needed that help for at least 6 months (unless you’re terminally ill).

Attendance Allowance is non-means tested. However, you cannot claim for it if you are in a care home, or your care is paid for by the local authority.

How to make a claim

Follow the link and print the claim form.
You can phone the Attendance Allowance helpline to request a printed form if you cannot print one yourself (0800 731 0122/0800 731 0317 – textphone).
Post the completed form, alongside supporting evidence to Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance.
Attend an assessment with a healthcare professional. You’ll only need to attend an assessment to check your eligibility if it’s unclear how your illness or disability affects you.

Claiming under special rules

If you are terminally ill (and not expected to live more than 6 months), you may be able to claim under special rules. Special rules mean you can automatically get a higher rate of Attendance Allowance.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?

How to make a claim

Claiming under special rules

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