Attendance Allowance enables someone to stay independent in their own home for longer. It is a benefit for anyone over State Pension age with a physical or mental disability, needing daily support and assistance.
There are two weekly rates:
Lower – £76.70
Higher – £114.60
Which one you would get depends on whether you need help only during the day (lower) or the night as well (higher).
Eligibility is pretty straight forward as it is based on any benefits the potential recipient is currently receiving, and the needs they have. It is not means-tested so, unlike care funding from a local authority, it doesn’t matter how many savings you have or the value of your home.
Once you’ve completed our simple eligibility checker you can start the process of applying for it by downloading and completing the form from the government website. Send us an email at [email protected] if you’d like some further advice completing the form.
If the person you are caring for is eligible for Attendance Allowance that may mean you are eligible for Carer’s Allowance – a weekly benefit for carers.
Attendance Allowance Checker | Age Space
Age Space's Attendance Allowance Eligibility Checker
Step 1 of 7
Has the person reached State Pension age?
Attendance Allowance is for people aged 66 or over. Those under 66 claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.
Step 2 of 7
Where does the person live?
Different rules and benefits apply depending on the nation. Scotland has its own equivalent benefit.
Step 3 of 7
Does the person currently receive PIP or DLA?
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already receive Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance.
Step 4 of 7
What help is needed during the day?
Select all that apply. Attendance Allowance is based on need — not on whether someone is currently receiving help.
💡 Important: Answer based on difficult days, not good ones. If the need is there even some of the time, it counts. You don't need to already be receiving help — if you would need it but manage without, that still qualifies.
Step 5 of 7
Is any help or supervision needed at night?
Night-time needs are what determine whether someone qualifies for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance.
💡 Night-time supervision doesn't have to mean physical care. If someone needs another person to be awake and available — for example, because of dementia, a risk of falls, epilepsy, or breathing difficulties — that counts.
Step 6 of 7
How long have these needs existed?
Attendance Allowance requires care needs to have existed for at least six months before payment begins — but you can apply before the six months is up.
Step 7 of 7
Has the person lived in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years?
A residence and presence condition applies. Most people living here continuously will meet this automatically.
