Caring for yourself or a loved one can be challenging, but financial support is available. Attendance Allowance is a government benefit designed to help older adults who need assistance due to illness or disability. Many people miss out on this essential support simply because they don’t know they’re eligible. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from eligibility to claiming and how it can help you access additional benefits.

What is Attendance Allowance? Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care, supervision during the day, or assistance at night due to a physical or mental disability.

Key Points:

  • Entitlement is based on the help you could reasonably need, not just the support you currently receive.
  • The money can be spent on anything that improves quality of life, such as home care, mobility aids, or extra heating.
  • It may be taken into account for the social care means-test if you receive support from your local council.

Am I Eligible to Claim Attendance Allowance? You can claim Attendance Allowance if you meet all the following criteria:

  • You are over State Pension age (if younger, you may qualify for Personal Independence Payment instead).
  • You have a disability or physical/mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments, dementia, or mobility issues.
  • You need assistance with personal care (e.g., washing, dressing) or supervision for safety during the day or night.
  • You have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill, in which case you can claim immediately under special rules).
  • Carers cannot claim on your behalf, but they can assist with the application.

What are the Attendance Allowance Rates?

Rate Amount per Week Who is Eligible?
Lower Rate £72.65 Those who need help either during the day or night
Higher Rate £108.55 Those who need help both during the day and night

Is Attendance Allowance Taxable or Means-Tested?

  • Not Taxable – The money you receive is not subject to tax.
  • Not Means-Tested – Your savings and income do not affect eligibility.
  • Can Increase Other Benefits – Claiming Attendance Allowance may help you qualify for extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Support.

How Do I Claim Attendance Allowance? To apply, you must complete an Attendance Allowance claim form. There are two ways to obtain it:

  1. Call the Attendance Allowance helpline at 0800 731 0122
  2. Download the form from GOV.UK

When filling out the form:

  • Be detailed about how your illness or disability affects your daily life.
  • Attach supporting evidence such as GP letters, care plans, or prescription lists.
  • If your application is rejected, you can appeal the decision—many claims are approved upon reconsideration.
  • Decisions usually take around 8-12 weeks.

How Can Visiting Angels Help? At Visiting Angels North London, we understand how important it is to access the right financial support for care. We can assist you by:

  • Providing a care plan as supporting evidence for your application.
  • Helping describe your care needs clearly to meet eligibility criteria.
  • Advising on additional documents to strengthen your claim.
  • Supporting appeals if your claim is initially denied.

For more information or help with your application, contact us at Visiting Angels North London today! 02080 594 187