Attendance Allowance

Covers:

• Who qualifies

• Lower vs higher rate

• How much (update annually)

• What it can be used for

• Common myths

Many families don’t realise Attendance Allowance can be used to support private care — including paying a self-employed carer.

• It’s not means-tested

• It’s tax-free

• It’s paid directly to the person

• It is there to help with care needs

Basic eligibility:

• Over State Pension age

• Has a physical disability, illness or mental health condition

• Needs help with personal care or supervision

• Has needed help for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill)

• Lives in the UK

Help can include:

• Washing & dressing

• Medication supervision

• Preventing falls

• Prompting for dementia

• Night supervision

Lower rate

If help is needed:

• During the day OR

• During the night

Higher rate

If help is needed:

• During the day AND the night

Attendance Allowance is paid weekly at two rates. These rates are reviewed annually by the government.

At the time of writing, February 2026, the rate is:

Attendance Allowance Weekly Rates

• Lower rate: £73.90 per week – if help or supervision is needed during the day OR at night.

• Higher rate: £110.40 per week – if help or supervision is needed both day AND night, or if the person is terminally ill under special rules.

What That Means Annually

• Lower rate works out to around £3,840 a year.

• Higher rate works out to around £5,740 a year.

📍 These figures are current up to at least April 2026, based on official UK government guidance — and rates are reviewed and usually uprated each year.

Link: Gov.uk

You can claim for Attendance Allowance online or by post and can access the claim for here: UK Attendance Allowance Claim Form

Attendance Allowance is paid to the individual — not the carer.

It can be used for:

• Paying a private carer

• Contributing to live-in care

• Extra help with housework

• Transport

• Specialist equipment

• Night support

There is no requirement to spend it on an agency.