Yahoo News Older people on Attendance Allowance could be due up to £440 each month from next April
The latest figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that at the end of February 2024, more than 1.6 million older people were claiming Attendance Allowance. Of that overall total, over 1.6m are receiving regular cash support of up to £434.20 every four-week payment period, including nearly 144,000 living in Scotland.
Attendance Allowance is worth either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week and as the benefit is usually paid every four weeks, this amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period - some £5,644.60 over the 2024/25 financial year. However, claimants could see payments rise to either £297 or £443.80 from next April under the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate.
The CPI rate was 2.2 per cent in July and August, but the one that counts is due to be announced by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) next month, on October 18 - and it could go up or down.
READ MORE: Top 10 Attendance Allowance health issues providing older people with up to £434 each month
By law, disability benefits such as Attendance Allowance must rise each year with the CPI figure. This also applies to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Carer’s Allowance and any devolved disability benefits such as Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment.
Weekly Attendance Allowance rates 2025/26
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce the State Pension and benefits uprating during the Autumn Budget on October 31. The rates below are based on the current CPI figure of 2.2 per cent.
Lower rate: £74.25 (from £72.65)
Higher rate: £110.95 (from £108.55)
Attendance Allowance helps people over State Pension age with extra costs if they have a physical or mental disability or illness severe enough that makes it hard for them to look after themselves, however, it does not cover mobility needs - you do not need to have someone caring for you in order to make a claim.
Below is everything you need to know about Attendance Allowance including the main health conditions being claimed, eligibility and how to make a claim.
Who can claim?
You should apply for Attendance Allowance if you have a disability or illness and need help or supervision throughout the day or at times during the night -even if you don’t currently get that help.
This might include:
Help with your personal care - for example getting dressed, eating or drinking, getting in and out of bed, bathing or showering and going to the toilet
Help to stay safe
You should also apply if you have difficulties with personal tasks, for example if they take you a long time, you experience pain or you need physical help, like a chair to lean on. Attendance Allowance isn’t just for people with a physical disability or illness.
You should also claim if you need help or supervision throughout the day or night and have:
a mental health condition
learning difficulties
a sensory condition - if you are deaf or visually impaired
How much could I get on Attendance Allowance?
You could receive either £72.65 (lower rate) or £108.55 (higher rate) each week. This amounts to either £290.60 or £434.20 every pay period.
You can spend the money however you like and it could help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
This might include:
paying for taxis
helping towards bills
paying for a cleaner or gardener
Can I claim Attendance Allowance even if I have savings and other income?
Yes. Attendance Allowance isn't means-tested so it doesn't matter what other money you have coming in or how much you have in savings either - there's no limit. it is also tax-free and you will be exempt from the Benefit Cap so you won't have money taken away from any other benefits.
Will Attendance Allowance affect my State Pension?
No, it won't affect your State Pension and you can even claim it if you're still working and earning money.
How does Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
The other benefits you get might increase if you get Attendance Allowance, these include:
Extra Pension Credit
Housing Benefit Reduction
Council Tax Reduction
How do I make a claim?
You will need to complete a long claim form when you apply for Attendance Allowance. It might seem daunting at first but help is available from your nearest Citizens Advice, so don't let the form put you off applying.
If you'd prefer to do it yourself you can follow the Citizens Advice guide on how to fill in your claim form here. Full details of how to get the application form by post or over the phone can be found on the GOV.UK website here.
What happens if I am about to reach State Pension age?
If you are thinking about applying for Attendance Allowance when you reach State Pension age, you might be better off claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP) straight away - you may be able to get more money.
Who cannot claim Attendance Allowance?
You won't be able to get Attendance Allowance if you already get PIP or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to pay for your care. If you apply for Attendance Allowance while getting DLA, the DWP will usually reassess your DLA award instead.
You can renew your PIP or DLA when the existing award ends as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria. If your renewal is unsuccessful you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the GOV.UK website here.
