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Attendance allowance

This benefit is for people aged 65 or over who have difficulty looking after themselves. You may qualify if, for example, you need help getting out of bed, having a bath or dressing yourself. Attendance Allowance is based on the amount of care you need, not the care you receive. You do not need to have a carer to be eligible for this benefit. You must have needed care for at least six months to qualify for Attendance Allowance.

The benefit is paid at two rates:

  • lower rate: £43.15 a week for people who need help during the day or at night
  • higher rate: £64.50 a week for people who need help during the day and at night.

There is no help for mobility problems. If you are under 65, you should claim Disability Living Allowance.

You should also know:

  • your income and savings are not taken into account for Attendance Allowance
  • you can claim Attendance Allowance if you are working
  • you do not need to pay National Insurance contributions to claim Attendance Allowance
  • if you are awarded Attendance Allowance your other benefits will not be reduced. They may actually increase or you may become eligible for another benefit, such as Pension Credit (www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/)
  • you can also apply for Attendance Allowance if you are terminally ill. Your claim will be dealt with quickly and you will receive the benefit at the highest rate.

If you are terminally ill, you can apply for Attendance Allowance under the special rules. To do this, you must tick the box on page 3 of the claim form that asks, 'If you are claiming under the Special Rules, tick this box'. Your claim should be dealt with quickly and you should receive the Attendance Allowance at the highest rate.

How can I claim?

If you think you may be entitled to claim Attendance Allowance do so straight away, any delay may mean you lose some of the benefit.

You can get claim forms from your local Jobcentre Plus or social security office. To find out where your local office is go to www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk. You can also look in the phone book under Jobcentre Plus or social security. Alternatively, you can order a claim form from the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 (Textphone 0800 24 33 55).

You can also download a claim form from the Department for Work and Pensions. However, online claim forms are not date-stamped and therefore the benefits cannot be backdated to the date of issue.

If you are terminally ill and claiming under the Special Rules your doctor or consultant will need to complete a medical report called a DS1500 which you send in with the claim form.

For advice and information on Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, please call the DLA/AA Helpline on 08457 12 34 56 (Textphone 08457 22 44 33).

In Northern Ireland:



You can order an application pack from the Disability and Carers Service on (028) 90 90 61 78 or by contacting your local Jobs and Benefits Office or social security office.

For further information about the benefits advice available in your local area call Macmillan on freephone 0800 500 800.