One of the most overlooked benefits in the UK is Attendance Allowance, and according to money-saving experts including Martin Lewis, thousands of older people miss out every year.
If you or someone you care for needs help because of illness, disability, frailty, dementia, arthritis, falls risk, or personal care needs, this guide is worth reading.
What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for older adults who need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental health condition.
You do not need to have a carer already helping you to qualify.
You may be eligible if you need help with things such as:
- Washing or bathing
- Dressing
- Taking medication
- Preparing meals
- Using the toilet
- Moving around safely indoors
- Managing dementia or memory problems
- Monitoring because of falls risk
- Support during the night
- Emotional reassurance or supervision
How much could you get?
Current rates include:
Lower rate: £76.70 per week
For people needing frequent help or supervision during the day or night.
Higher rate: £114.60 per week
For people needing help or supervision both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
That could be worth:
- Over £3,900 a year
- Up to nearly £6,000 a year
✔ Home care
✔ Cleaning help
✔ Mobility aids
✔ Extra heating costs
✔ Personal care support
✔ Companionship visits
Who can claim?
Generally, you may qualify if:
- You are State Pension age or older
- You have a disability, illness, long-term condition or frailty
- You have needed help for around 6 months (unless terminally ill)
- You live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland
- Dementia
- Parkinson’s
- Arthritis
- COPD
- Heart conditions
- Stroke recovery
- Visual impairment
- Anxiety or cognitive decline
- Frailty linked with ageing
Biggest mistake people make when filling in the form
Many older people understate their difficulties.
Instead of writing:
❌ “I struggle a bit getting dressed.”
Explain:
✅ “I need help putting socks and shoes on due to pain and poor balance. It can take 20 minutes and I risk falling.”
The form wants to know:
- What happens on bad days
- How long tasks take
- Whether someone prompts or supervises you
- Risks if nobody helps
Where do I get the Attendance Allowance form?
Official claim form (AA1A):
Download the Attendance Allowance claim form (GOV.UK)
Application guidance:
How to claim Attendance Allowance
You can also request a paper form by calling:
Attendance Allowance Helpline
0800 731 0122
Monday–Friday: 8am–6pm
A useful tip:
Requesting a form by phone can mean your claim is backdated to the date you called (if returned within 6 weeks).
Where can you get help filling in the form?
You do not have to complete it alone.
Support may be available from:
Citizens Advice
Help with benefit forms and entitlement checks.
Citizens Advice Attendance Allowance help
Age UK
Excellent guides and support with older person benefits.
Age UK Attendance Allowance advice
Independent Age
Telephone advice and support completing forms.
Independent Age Attendance Allowance support
CM Bespoke Care
We regularly signpost families to support services and understand how increased care needs affect daily life. If you are arranging care for a loved one, discussing funding options early can help maintain independence at home.
Final thought from CM Bespoke Care
Many older adults believe they are “not poorly enough” or “manage okay most days” and never apply.
If someone needs help to stay safe, manage personal care, remember medication, or remain independent at home — it is worth checking.
Thousands of pounds each year go unclaimed.
Sometimes a simple benefit award can mean the difference between struggling alone and receiving the support needed to stay comfortably at home.
Need support at home or advice about maintaining independence?
CM Bespoke Care is here to help families explore practical support options with dignity, compassion and person-centred care.
