Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit paid to anyone aged 65 or over, who need help with their personal care because of an illness or disability. It is non-contributory and is neither income related nor means-tested.

Who can claim?

People who become ill after age 65, or who were ill prior to age 65 but who did not claim until after their 65th birthday, and have needed help by day and/or night for at least the last 6 months. “Special rules” apply to people who are not expected to live longer than 6 months because of illness.

Weekly rates of Attendance Allowance: (effective from April 2018)

£85.60 Higher rate Payable if the person has day and night needs

£57.30 Lower rate Payable if the person has day or night needs

How to claim

A claim pack is available by telephoning the Attendance Allowance Helpline on 0800 731 0122. You can also download a form from the GOV.UK website. Forms should be completed and returned within 6 weeks of the request otherwise some benefit may be lost. If a claim is being made under “special rules”, a DS1500 report should be completed by your doctor.