Attendance Allowance offers two rates: a higher rate capped at £114.60 for 2026/27, up from £110.40 in 2025/26, and a lower rate of £76.70 for 2026/27, increased from £73.90 the previous year. The higher rate is paid if someone needs help or supervision during the day and at night, or if they are terminally ill, while the lower rate applies for frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. Eligibility requires reaching State Pension age, having a physical or mental disability or health condition severe enough to need help or supervision for at least six months, and meeting residency requirements in Great Britain, with conditions including long-term health complications such as severe back pain where assistance is needed for dressing or moving around the home. Different rules apply for those nearing the end of life, allowing quicker access and a higher rate, though the specific health complaint referred to as making thousands eligible remains unclear.
According to the Department for Work and Pensions, as of February 2025, there were 1.9 million Attendance Allowance claimants across Great Britain, an increase of 140,000 from February 2024. The DWP also said 120,000 people were entitled to Attendance Allowance but not receiving payment as of February 2025, though the exact number beyond this figure is unknown.
Applying for Attendance Allowance does not reduce any existing benefits and could even increase them, though how it affects specific benefits is not detailed. According to Carers UK, if someone you care for receives Attendance Allowance, you may be able to apply for additional financial support such as Carer’s Allowance, but the exact process or success rate for this is unspecified. Residency requirements include exceptions for certain cases, such as refugees or humanitarian situations, but detailed rules are not provided.