Looking for the Attendance Allowance form? You've come to the right place. The AA1 is the official claim form for Attendance Allowance in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland—and getting it right is crucial to securing the right rate of support.
Where to Get the Attendance Allowance Form (AA1)
The form is free from the official GOV.UK site.
Options to obtain the form:
- Download and Print: Get the latest AA1 PDF directly from GOV.UK. Updated as of February 2026—always use the most recent version (32 pages). Open with a PDF reader to fill digitally, then print and sign.
- Request by Phone: Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (Mon-Fri, 8am–6pm). They'll post a paper form free (also available in large print, braille, audio, Welsh, etc.).
- Online Application: For self-claims (not appointee or power of attorney), start online at the GOV.UK Attendance Allowance application. Limited slots available—try early in the week if unavailable. Your claim date starts from submission.
- Notes Booklet: Download the guidance notes alongside the form. Read page 3 first!
Tip: If applying for someone else (e.g., as appointee), use paper and post—online is not available for third-party applications.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill the Attendance Allowance Form
The AA1 form asks about your needs for personal care (washing, dressing, eating, toilet use, getting in and out of bed, supervision for safety)—not mobility or housework. Focus entirely on how your condition affects you.
Key filling tips from Citizens Advice, Age UK, and DWP guidance:
- Be Detailed and Specific: Don't just say "I have arthritis"—explain: "I need help dressing 7 days a week; pain stops me raising my arms, takes 45 mins, risks falls on bad days."
- Describe Bad Days: Base answers on your worst days—include frequency (e.g., "most days", "3–4 times per night"), duration, pain, fatigue, prompting needed, and risks.
- Cover Day and Night: There are questions on daytime help and supervision AND nighttime needs (question 40 covers night supervision)—detail both for the best chance of the higher rate.
- Use Extra Space: If boxes are small, attach continuation sheets labelled with your name, NI number, and question number. Repeat key points across sections.
- Gather Evidence: Attach GP letters, prescriptions, care plans, hospital reports—and list contacts (e.g., GP surgery name and address).
- Keep a Diary: Track your needs for 1–2 weeks before filling in the form—note specific examples for accuracy.
- Write Honestly in First Person: "I need..." (or third-person if filling for someone lacking mental capacity).
- Don't Underestimate: Focus on needed help—even if you sometimes cope alone with aids or on good days.
- Read the Notes: Use the accompanying booklet for the meaning behind each question.
Common pitfalls: Being too brief, ignoring variability, or assuming decision makers already know your condition.
Where and How to Send the Attendance Allowance Form
- Post it to: Freepost DWP Attendance Allowance (no stamp or full postcode needed—write exactly that on the envelope)
- If using a printed online form: Send to the same Freepost address
- Keep Copies: Photocopy everything before posting
- Claim Date: Starts from online submission, phone request date (if form returned within 6 weeks), or postmark date
Decisions take weeks to months—faster for terminally ill applications. Special rules: SR1 form from doctor for automatic higher rate.
Why Choose Elder Care for Form Help (No Win No Fee)
The form is long and detailed—many people struggle, leading to lower rates or outright rejections. We:
- Review your needs and complete the form with strong, evidence-based answers
- Include specifics on bad days, risks, and all personal care impacts
- Attach and gather supporting evidence
- Liaise directly with DWP
- Charge £430 one-off only if successful (often paid from backdated payments)
- 95% approval rate*—our expertise maximises your higher rate chances
"Form was overwhelming—Elder Care filled it perfectly and got higher rate." – Anonymous client
"Simple, reassuring—now receiving support I needed." – Margaret T., Birmingham
Ready for professional help with the Attendance Allowance form?
Call: 01228 937387 | Email: info@attendanceallowancehelp.com