Thousands of pensioners across the UK could be missing out on additional financial support worth up to £434.20 per month. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers Attendance Allowance, a benefit designed to help older people who need extra support due to a disability or health condition.

Despite being a non-means-tested benefit meaning your income and savings do not affect eligibility many eligible pensioners are unaware of Attendance Allowance or assume they don’t qualify. In this article, we explain who is eligible, how much you can claim, and how to apply.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit designed to help people over State Pension age who need assistance with personal care due to a disability or long-term health condition. It is not linked to mobility needs and is solely intended for individuals who require supervision or assistance with daily living tasks, such as dressing, washing, or eating.

This benefit is paid directly to eligible individuals and does not require them to have a carer. The money can be used however the recipient chooses whether to pay for care, household help, or personal expenses.

The DWP administers Attendance Allowance, and those who qualify may also be entitled to other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.

How Much Can You Get?

Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care you require:

Rate	Amount Per Week	Amount Per Month (Every 4 Weeks)
Lower Rate	£72.65	£290.60
Higher Rate	£108.55	£434.20

• The lower rate is for those who need frequent help or supervision during the day, or need someone to watch over them at night.
• The higher rate is for individuals who require support throughout both the day and night or are terminally ill.

These payments are not means-tested, meaning you can claim them regardless of your income, savings, or other benefits.

Who Is Eligible for Attendance Allowance?

To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must:

• Be over State Pension age (currently 66 in the UK).
• Have a disability, illness, or health condition that requires you to need help or supervision for at least six months (unless you are terminally ill).
• Need help with personal care (dressing, eating, bathing) or supervision for safety reasons.

Attendance Allowance is not based on a specific medical condition—it depends on how your condition affects your daily life. Common health conditions that might qualify include:

• Arthritis
• Dementia & Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Vision or hearing impairments
• Heart disease or stroke recovery
• Severe mental health conditions

If you have a terminal illness, you can apply under special rules, which allow your claim to be processed faster.

How to Apply for Attendance Allowance

Applying for Attendance Allowance is straightforward and can be done by:

• Calling the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form.
• Downloading the claim form from the UK Government website

Once completed, you should send the form to:

Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance (no postcode needed).

Make sure to provide detailed information about how your condition affects you. If needed, charities like Age UK and Citizens Advice can help with your application.

For help with the application, visit:

• Age UK: www.ageuk.org.uk
• Citizens Advice: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Can You Claim Other Benefits Alongside Attendance Allowance?

Receiving Attendance Allowance could increase your entitlement to other benefits. For example:

• Pension Credit – Extra financial help for low-income pensioners. (www.gov.uk/pension-credit)
• Housing Benefit – Help with rent if you are on a low income. (www.gov.uk/housing-benefit)
• Council Tax Reduction – Possible discount on your council tax. (www.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-reduction)

You should check if you’re eligible for these benefits after receiving Attendance Allowance, as it could increase your total monthly support.

Why Are So Many Pensioners Missing Out?

Despite being a valuable benefit, thousands of eligible pensioners fail to apply for Attendance Allowance every year. Reasons include:

• Lack of awareness – Many people simply don’t know they qualify.
• Belief they won’t be eligible – Some assume they need a professional carer to claim (which is not true).
• Complicated paperwork – The form can be lengthy, but charities like Age UK can help complete it.

If you think you or a loved one may qualify, don’t miss out on extra financial support. Applying is free, and you could be entitled to an extra £434 per month.

Conclusion

Attendance Allowance offers up to £434 per month to pensioners needing extra support due to illness or disability. Despite being tax-free and non-means-tested, many eligible individuals miss out. Applying is free and simple, and charities like Age UK and Citizens Advice can help.

If you or a loved one may qualify, don’t wait apply today. Visit www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance to check eligibility and start your claim.