What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free DWP benefit for people over State Pension age (66) who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. You can claim up to £5,959 per year (£114.60 per week at the higher rate). It's not means-tested, so your savings and income don't affect eligibility.

What are the Attendance Allowance rates?

There are two Attendance Allowance rates: Lower rate of £76.70 per week (£3,988/year) for frequent help during day OR supervision at night, and Higher rate of £114.60 per week (£5,959/year) for help or supervision throughout both day AND night. Rates are set by the DWP and reviewed annually.

What is the Attendance Allowance eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for Attendance Allowance you must: be State Pension age (66) or over, have needed help for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill), need help with personal care or supervision, and have been in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years. You cannot claim if receiving PIP or DLA.

How do I apply for Attendance Allowance?

You can apply for Attendance Allowance by completing form AA1 from the DWP, available online at GOV.UK or by phone on 0800 731 0122. Alternatively, our expert service helps you complete the Attendance Allowance application form correctly with a 95% success rate and no-win, no-fee guarantee.

Can I get help with my Attendance Allowance form?

Yes! Many people find the DWP Attendance Allowance form complex. Our service provides expert help completing your Attendance Allowance application form, ensuring all questions are answered correctly to maximize your chances of approval. We only charge £430 if your claim is successful.

What is the higher rate Attendance Allowance?

The higher rate Attendance Allowance is £114.60 per week (£5,959 per year). You qualify for the higher rate if you need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or if you're terminally ill (under Special Rules for Terminal Illness).

Can I claim Attendance Allowance and PIP together?

No, you cannot claim Attendance Allowance and PIP (Personal Independence Payment) at the same time. Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age, while PIP is for those under State Pension age. If you receive DLA, you may be able to switch to Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age.

Does Attendance Allowance affect Council Tax Reduction?

No, receiving Attendance Allowance does NOT affect your Council Tax Reduction. In fact, getting Attendance Allowance may help you qualify for additional Council Tax discounts, such as the Severe Mental Impairment exemption. Attendance Allowance is also disregarded when calculating Housing Benefit and Pension Credit.

Can I claim Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance?

Yes! You can claim both Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. Getting Attendance Allowance may actually increase your Pension Credit payments through the Severe Disability Addition. This can add over £81 per week extra to your Pension Credit if you live alone and receive Attendance Allowance.

What is the DWP Attendance Allowance contact number?

The DWP Attendance Allowance helpline number is 0800 731 0122 (free from UK landlines and mobiles). Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can also contact our specialist service on 01702 655034 for expert help with your Attendance Allowance application.

Attendance Allowance for Terminally Ill: Urgent Support

2026-03-08 by Attendance Allowance Help

If you or a loved one is terminally ill, accessing Attendance Allowance quickly is crucial. Elder Care offers fast-track support for your claim.

Receiving a terminal illness diagnosis is an incredibly challenging time, not just for the individual but for their entire family. Alongside managing health, the added burden of financial worries can feel immense. Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit designed to provide financial support for people over 66 who need help with personal care or supervision due to illness or disability. Crucially, for those with a terminal illness, there are special, faster rules.

What are the Special Rules for Terminal Illness?

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recognises the urgency of support for those with a terminal illness. If your doctor or a medical professional believes you have a *progressive disease* and that your death can *reasonably be expected within 12 months*, your Attendance Allowance claim can be fast-tracked. This is often referred to as 'Special Rules for End of Life' (SREL) claims.

Under these special rules:

No Waiting Period: The usual 6-month qualifying period for needing care doesn't apply. You can receive the benefit from the date your claim is received by the DWP.
Higher Rate Awarded Automatically: You will automatically receive the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, currently £114.60 per week (equivalent to £5,959.20 per year or £458.40 paid every 4 weeks), regardless of your specific care needs. This is because the DWP acknowledges the significant and often fluctuating care requirements during this time.
Faster Processing: Claims made under the special rules are prioritised and typically processed much more quickly than standard applications.

Why is Attendance Allowance So Important During This Time?

The financial relief provided by Attendance Allowance can make a significant difference. It’s not just for paying for professional care, though it can certainly help with that. This money can be used for anything that helps improve quality of life and manage the impact of the illness, such as:

Equipment: Specialist beds, commodes, hoists, or mobility aids.
Heating Costs: Ensuring the home is warm and comfortable.
Personal Care Support: Help with washing, dressing, or continence management.
Food and Errands: Supporting family carers with the costs of daily living.
Transportation: For medical appointments or simply to remain active within the community.
Respite Care: Allowing family carers a much-needed break.

Identifying Care Needs for Your Claim: Even Under Special Rules

While the higher rate is awarded automatically under SREL, it’s still important to articulate the care needs. Even a fast-track application through our service benefits from a clear understanding of the full scope of support required. This helps our team ensure all aspects are thoroughly documented, providing a robust application that leaves no room for questions from the DWP.

Consider areas such as:

Personal Hygiene: Difficulty with showering, bathing, washing hair, or oral care.
Dressing: Struggling to put on or take off clothes, manage fastenings.
Eating and Drinking: Needing help with cutting food, drinking safely, or preparing meals.
Continence Management: Assistance with toileting, managing incontinence aids, or changing soiled clothing/bedding.
Mobility: Difficulty moving around the home, getting in and out of bed, or needing help to prevent falls.
Medication Management: Needing reminders, help administering medication, or managing complex prescriptions.
Supervision: Requiring someone to be present due to confusion (e.g., advanced dementia), risk of falls, or to ensure safety at night.
Communication: Difficulty expressing needs or understanding information.
Emotional Support: While not a direct care need for the DWP, the impact of the illness on emotional well-being often translates into needing supervision or practical support.

The Role of the DS1500 Form

The most important piece of evidence for a Special Rules claim is usually the DS1500 form. This form is completed by your doctor, a consultant, or a specialist nurse, confirming the terminal illness diagnosis and the expectation that death can reasonably be expected within 12 months. It's crucial for triggering the fast-track process.

Why a Managed Service like Elder Care is Crucial for Fast-Track Claims

Even with the special rules in place for terminal illness, applying for Attendance Allowance can still be a source of stress. The DWP's paper form (AA1) is over 40 pages long and requires comprehensive answers. Whilst online application options exist, they often lack the detailed evidence sections crucial for robust claims, potentially leading to delays or complications.

At a time when energy and focus are understandably elsewhere, dealing with complex paperwork is the last thing anyone needs. Our service is designed to remove that burden entirely:

Expert Guidance: We understand the nuances of Attendance Allowance claims, especially for terminal illness, and know exactly what information the DWP needs.
Completion of Paperwork: We handle the entire application process, ensuring the AA1 form is completed accurately and comprehensively, gathering all necessary details about care needs.
Liaison with Medical Professionals: We can assist in coordinating with your medical team to ensure the DS1500 form is provided appropriately and promptly, avoiding delays.
Minimising Stress: Our goal is to make this process as smooth and stress-free as possible for you and your family, allowing you to focus on well-being.
Maximising Success: By presenting a clear, evidence-based application, we significantly increase the likelihood of a swift and successful award of the higher rate Attendance Allowance.

Our No-Win-No-Fee approach means there's no upfront cost to you. Our success fee of £430 is only payable once your Attendance Allowance has been awarded and you have received your first payment. This ensures our interests are fully aligned with yours: securing the benefit quickly and efficiently.

Don't Delay, Seek Support Today

For those facing a terminal illness, time is precious. Ensuring access to financial support through Attendance Allowance can help ease worries and provide comfort during an incredibly difficult period. Let Elder Care take on the administrative burden, so you can focus on what truly matters.

To find out more and to start your fast-track Attendance Allowance claim, please:

Submit our free online Eligibility Check at /eligibility-check, or
Call our friendly team directly on 01702 938110.

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