Understanding Attendance Allowance
As we get older, everyday activities such as washing, dressing and looking after ourselves safely can become more difficult. Attendance Allowance helps with the additional costs of personal care for people who have reached State Pension age and need help or supervision because of a disability or health condition.
It does not include a mobility component. You can make a claim without someone already providing care: the important issue is the help or supervision you need, even if it is not currently available.
Who might be eligible?
The benefit may be relevant if you have reached State Pension age and need help caring for yourself, or supervision to keep yourself or others safe, because of a physical or mental disability or a health condition. Usually, this need must have existed for at least six months. Special rules apply to people nearing the end of life.
Residence, immigration status and other disability benefits also affect eligibility. A diagnosis alone does not automatically lead to approval: explain how your condition affects your daily life and the care you require.
What should you explain?
Describe your real daily routine and the assistance you need. Relevant information may include:
- Help with washing, dressing or using the toilet.
- Assistance or reminders needed to take medication.
- Situations where someone needs to stay nearby for safety.
- Help needed at night and how often you need it.
- Differences between better days and more difficult days.
Explain how long activities take and the help needed even when nobody is available to provide it. Your answers should reflect your circumstances accurately.
Income, savings and payment rates
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested: income and savings do not determine the amount. There are two weekly rates, depending on care or supervision needs.
As checked on 5 October 2026, the lower rate is £76.70 per week and the higher rate is £114.60 per week. The relevant authority decides which applies.
We provide administrative assistance with organising the information you supply, completing the application form from your answers and arranging relevant supporting documents for your review. We can help organise your description of daily needs in Arabic or English.
You remain responsible for checking the accuracy of the completed information. The relevant authority decides the claim; THIQAA does not determine entitlement or guarantee approval.
If you live in Scotland
Apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance.
To get started, use Request a Service and choose Attendance Allowance. We will explain the information and documents needed for administrative assistance.
How the service works
Send a short request
Choose the service and briefly explain the administrative help you need.
We confirm steps and fees
We explain the service scope, practical steps and fees before work starts.
Information and documents
Once the case starts, we send secure links for required information and documents.
Preparation and tracking
We carry out the agreed administrative support and you can track progress using your reference.
Documents we may ask you for
The final list depends on the service and the stage of your case. Do not send sensitive documents until we provide the secure upload link.
- Proof of your addresses during the last five yearsUsually required
- Identity document, passport or driving licenceUsually required
- Evidence of ILR or other current immigration status, if applicable; include an ILR/BRP record if relevantUsually required
- Doctor's letters or medical reports, if availableUsually required
- Current care plan, if you have oneUsually required
- Any relevant documentsUsually required
What you remain responsible for
You are responsible for providing complete and accurate information, checking the prepared application, and confirming that you are satisfied before submission. THIQAA cannot guarantee approval, processing times or the outcome of any application.
What happens next
Send us a short enquiry describing the service you need. We will confirm whether we can provide the administrative support requested and explain the next practical steps and fees before work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Attendance Allowance?
You may qualify if you have reached State Pension age and have a health condition or disability that means you need help caring for yourself or supervision to keep yourself or others safe. Usually, you must have needed this help for at least six months, although special rules apply to people nearing the end of life. Residence, immigration status and other disability benefits also affect eligibility. In Scotland, apply for Pension Age Disability Payment instead.
Do I need someone caring for me to apply?
No. You do not need to have someone already caring for you. Your claim is based on the help or supervision you need, even if you live alone or nobody is available to help. Explain your actual daily needs clearly, such as assistance with washing, dressing or staying safe.
Do my income or savings affect my entitlement to Attendance Allowance?
No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect entitlement or the amount you receive. You must still meet the other eligibility conditions. The rate depends on the level of help or supervision you need, rather than your financial circumstances.