Attendance Allowance is extra money for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care because of an illness or disability. It can help pay for home care, and many people who could claim it never do.
How much is it?
For 2026/27 the weekly rates are:
- Lower rate: £76.70 a week – if you need frequent help or supervision during the day, or at night
- Higher rate: £114.60 a week – if you need help or supervision both day and night, or are terminally ill
Who can claim?
- You have reached State Pension age
- You need help with things like washing, dressing, eating or using the toilet, or someone to keep an eye on you for safety
- You have needed this help for at least six months (this wait does not apply if you are terminally ill)
You do not need to have a carer already. It is the help you need that counts, not the help you get.
It is not means-tested
Your income and savings do not affect Attendance Allowance, and it is not taxed. It can also increase other benefits, such as Pension Credit, and may help a family carer qualify for Carer’s Allowance.
How to claim
- Call the Attendance Allowance helpline or download the claim form from GOV.UK
- Describe a typical day and the help you need, including the difficult days
- Ask for free help with the form from Age UK, Citizens Advice or a local carers’ charity
Talk to us
If you are thinking about care at home, we can explain how Attendance Allowance and other funding can help at a free, no-obligation assessment. Request a call back or call 01732 807 121 (Kent) or 01737 237 527 (Surrey).
Rates checked October 2026. Benefit rules can change, so please check GOV.UK for the latest information.