Attendance Allowance is a tax free benefit that helps people with long term illness or disability cover the extra costs of care. Paid by the Department for Work and Pensions, it is not based on income, savings, or National Insurance contributions, which makes it accessible to many older and disabled people who need help with daily living.
| 2025 Snapshot | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Benefit name | Attendance Allowance |
| Who pays | Department for Work and Pensions |
| Tax status | Tax free and separate from other benefits |
| Means test | Not means tested, not based on savings or NI record |
| Who it helps | People with long term illness or disability who need daily care |
| Payment levels 2025 to 2026 | Higher rate €110.40 per week, Lower rate €73.90 per week |
| How it’s decided | Based on level and timing of care needed, not diagnosis |
| Where to apply | Official claim forms for England and Wales, and for Northern Ireland |
| Phone support | England and Wales 0800 731 0122, Northern Ireland 0800 578 0912 |
What Attendance Allowance Is For
The aim is to support older and disabled people with the costs of care so they can manage daily life more safely and comfortably. It can be paid alongside other pensions and benefits and may help unlock further support in some circumstances, such as local Council Tax reductions. The focus is on the help required rather than household income or savings.
Who Can Qualify In 2025
Attendance Allowance is for people who have reached State Pension age and have a disability or long term illness that means they need care or supervision. Claimants should be living in the UK and ordinarily resident. It is designed for personal care needs rather than mobility alone and applies to people aged 16 and over who are not dependent on parents for daily care.
The Kind Of Help It Can Fund
The allowance can be used flexibly to meet individual care needs. Typical uses include help with washing, bathing, dressing, eating, taking medication, managing treatments, and getting in and out of bed or chairs. It can also support supervision at night, assistance with sleep due to health needs, guidance for those with speaking or writing difficulties, and help with preparing meals and choosing clothes.
How The Rates Work In 2025 To 2026
There are two weekly payment levels, set according to the level and timing of care required rather than a specific condition.
- Higher rate €110.40 per week for people who need help during both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
- Lower rate €73.90 per week for people who need help either during the day or during the night.
The decision looks at the overall pattern of care and supervision needs over time.
How To Apply Step By Step
Applying is straightforward and can be done at any time of the year. Use the official claim forms and guidance to provide clear details about daily care needs.
- England and Wales: Attendance Allowance claim form and guidance. Phone support 0800 731 0122.
- Northern Ireland: NI Attendance Allowance claim form and guidance notes. Phone support 0800 578 0912.
Complete the form with personal information, medical details, and examples of daily care needs. Attach any requested documents and submit by post or through the channels indicated on the form.
Tips For A Strong Claim
Describe care needs as they are on difficult days, not only on good days. Explain tasks that take longer, need supervision, or cannot be done safely without help. Include night time issues such as disturbed sleep, monitoring, or assistance needed to prevent falls or manage medication. If someone helps regularly, note how often and for how long. Keep copies of everything sent.
How Attendance Allowance Interacts With Other Support
This benefit does not reduce the State Pension or other income based benefits. In some cases, receiving Attendance Allowance can help claimants qualify for additional local support, such as Council Tax reductions or extra elements in other benefits assessed by local authorities. It is not a mobility payment, but it can sit alongside other disability benefits where rules allow.
If Your Circumstances Change
If care needs increase or decrease, or if there is a change in health that affects the level of help required, inform the relevant office. A review can reassess the rate. If a claim is refused and you believe it should have been awarded, you can request a reconsideration and, if needed, appeal. Keep medical letters and logs of care needs to support any review.
Common Reasons People Miss Out
Many assume savings or a pension make them ineligible. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and does not depend on contributions, so people on modest or higher savings may still qualify if they need daily care. Others under report needs by focusing on what they can do on their best days rather than typical or worse days. Clear, detailed examples help decision makers understand real life needs.
Bottom Line For 2025
Attendance Allowance remains a key source of tax free support for older and disabled people who need day to day care. With two weekly rates based on care needs rather than income or savings, it can make a meaningful difference to comfort, independence, and safety at home. Use the official claim forms, give full details of daily challenges, and keep records to ensure the right level of support is in place.