Attendance Allowance in 2026/27: who can claim and the weekly rates
Published · 4 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Attendance Allowance is a weekly benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of illness or disability. This guide explains the 2026/27 rates, the rules and how a claim works.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for people in England and Wales who have reached State Pension age and have a physical or mental health condition or disability, and for family members who help them. It is not advice for any one person's situation. It does not cover people under State Pension age, who may be looking at other benefits, or the rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland, which are set out below.
The figures are for the 2026/27 tax year and were checked on GOV.UK on 11 October 2026.
What it is for
Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs of having a disability or health condition that is serious enough that you need someone to help look after you. GOV.UK says it does not cover mobility needs. You do not need to have a carer to claim, and it is not means-tested, so savings and earnings do not change the amount.
The two weekly rates
There are two rates. Which one is paid depends on the level of help a person needs.
- Lower rate: £76.70 a week, for frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
- Higher rate: £114.60 a week, for help or supervision throughout both day and night, or where a medical professional has said the person is nearing the end of life.
Who can get it
GOV.UK sets out several conditions. In summary:
- You have reached State Pension age.
- You have a physical, sensory or mental disability or health condition that is severe enough that you need help caring for yourself, or someone to supervise you for safety.
- You have needed that help for at least 6 months. Different rules apply for people nearing the end of life.
- You are in Great Britain when you claim, and you have usually lived in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years. Some groups, such as refugees and members of the armed forces and their families, are treated differently.
You usually cannot get Attendance Allowance if you already get Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment or Armed Forces Independence Payment. If your care home fees are paid by your local authority, you usually cannot get it either. People who pay all their own care home costs can still claim.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
In Scotland, people of State Pension age apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance. GOV.UK says that if someone moves between Scotland and England or Wales, they need to tell the relevant office and make a new claim. In Northern Ireland, claims are made through a separate route run by nidirect.
How to claim
You can claim online or by post. The claim form can be printed, or the helpline can send one. The helpline number is 0800 731 0122, and it is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. It is useful to have your National Insurance number, contact details, details of your condition and your GP surgery details to hand.
The claim starts on the day you claim online, the day the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives a posted form, or the day you phone to ask for a form if you return it within 6 weeks. This means the date of the first step can matter.
After you apply, GOV.UK says you should get a text or letter within 3 weeks explaining when to expect a decision. An assessment is only needed if it is unclear how your condition affects you. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask DWP for a mandatory reconsideration.
Other help it can unlock
GOV.UK notes that getting Attendance Allowance may mean you can get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. A carer may also be able to get Carer's Allowance if they give substantial care. The office that pays each of those benefits can say how it would work in a particular case.
Free help
Citizens Advice and local charities that support older people can explain benefit rules and help with forms, free of charge.
Check before you act
Rates and rules change, and each person's circumstances are different. It is worth confirming the current figures and conditions on the official GOV.UK pages linked below before making a claim.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
