Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is extra money for people over State Pension age who are disabled or who have a health condition that means they need help with their care or need supervision when performing some tasks, such as showering or eating.

Attendance Allowance is not a means-tested benefit – this means it does not matter how much money or savings you have, or what other income you get. You can claim it even if you are working and it will not affect your State Pension. 

Attendance Allowance is awarded based on the care that you require, not the care that you receive. You can still claim Attendance Allowance if you do not get support or supervision, and if you do not have a carer. 

You can apply for Attendance Allowance if you meet the following criteria:

• You are over State Pension age
• You have a physical and/or mental disability or health condition
• You need help with personal care during the day and/or during the night (for example help with washing, dressing and eating)
• You have needed help for at least six months
• You live in the UK

If you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority, you cannot get Attendance Allowance. You can claim it if you live in a care home that you pay for yourself..

If you already get disability benefits

You will not be able to claim Attendance Allowance if you already get any of the following benefits:.

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• The ‘care component’ of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Adult Disability Payment

If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will usually reassess your DLA award. They may move you from DLA to PIP, which might mean you get less money.

Not sure about what you can claim? Speak to a Citizens Advice advisor who will help you understand the best option for you.

Attendance Allowance is usually paid weekly. There are two different rates and the amount you’ll get depends on the level of help you need for your personal care.

For current payment rates, visit GOV.UK.

You can apply by post or online for Attendance Allowance in England and Wales. To apply, you will need:

• Your National Insurance Number
• Your address and contact details
• Details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
• Your GP surgery or medical centre’s contact details
• Details of your care home, hospital or hospice (if you’re currently staying in one)

There is a different way to claim if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

If you live in Scotland, instead of Attendance Allowance, you will need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment. Find out more and how to apply on MyGov.Scot.

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post. Find out more and apply online at nidirect.

Getting an application form

You can download a form from GOV.UK or call the Attendance Allowance helpline to get a form. It may be best to phone as payments will be backdated to the date you made the call – as long as you return the form within six weeks.

Applying on someone else’s behalf

You can apply on someone’s behalf if they cannot apply themselves. This may be because they are unwell, or they do not have the mental capacity to fill in the form. You cannot apply online as they will need to sign the form themselves. If they cannot sign the form, you can sign for them if you have the legal right to do so. This means you:

• Are an appointee
• Have Power of Attorney
• Are a deputy

What happens after you apply

After you’ve sent your application, you will receive a decision letter from the DWP telling you if you’ve been awarded Attendance Allowance. If you’ve been awarded it, the letter will tell you how much you’ll get and for how long.

The length of your award depends on how the DWP expects your condition to affect your care needs. It’s important that you provide the DWP with supporting evidence explaining your muscle wasting condition when applying.

It can take a long time before you get a decision letter from the DWP. If you’re worried about whether they got your application, you can call the Attendance Allowance helpline to check.

If you disagree with the decision

If you’re turned down for Attendance Allowance or think the amount is wrong, you can ask the DWP to look at the decision again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration, and you need to ask for it within one month of the date on your decision letter.

Find out more about how to challenge a benefit decision at GOV.UK.

You can speak to Citizens Advice or get in touch with us for advice and support on challenging a decision.

Author: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Last reviewed: June 2025
Next review due: June 2028