Attendance Allowance

You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if you need help with personal care, for example, getting out of bed, having a bath or dressing yourself.

Attendance Allowance is based on the amount of care you need and doesn’t take into account any care you may currently be getting.

You don’t need to have a carer to be eligible for this benefit, but you must have needed care for at least six months to qualify.

How much you’ll get

The benefit is paid at one of two rates:

• the lower rate of £53 a week - for people who need help during the day or at night
• the higher rate of £79.15 a week - for people who need help both during the day and at night.

Attendance Allowance doesn’t provide help for mobility problems. If you’re under 65, you should claim Disability Living Allowance| or Personal Independence Payment| instead of Attendance Allowance. You should also note that:

• your income and savings aren’t taken into account for Attendance Allowance
• you can claim Attendance Allowance if you’re working
• you don’t need to pay national insurance contributions to claim Attendance Allowance
• if you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, your other benefits won’t be reduced – they may actually increase, or you may become eligible for other benefits, such as Pension Credit.

Terminal illness

If you’re terminally ill, you can apply for Attendance Allowance under the ‘special rules’. Under these rules you don’t need to meet the six-month qualifying conditions. Your claim will be dealt with quickly and you’ll receive the benefit at the highest rate. All special rules claims for Attendance Allowance are reviewed after three years.

How can I claim?

It’s a good idea to get help from an experienced welfare rights adviser when filling in your application form. For an application form, call the Benefit Enquiry Line| free on 0800 882 200 or textphone 0800 243 355. You can also apply online at gov.uk|.

In Northern Ireland

Visit nidirect.gov.uk| for more information about Attendance Allowance how you can apply.