Attendance Allowance 2026/27
By Omair SaoLast reviewed — rates for the 2026/27 tax year. See how we check our figures.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability. It is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect your entitlement. Unlike PIP, Attendance Allowance does not have a mobility component — it is purely based on care needs.
There are two rates: a lower rate of £76.70 per week if you need help during the day or night, and a higher rate of £114.60 per week if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill. You do not need to have someone actually caring for you to qualify — the test is based on whether you need help, supervision, or someone to watch over you to keep you safe.
Attendance Allowance can also help you qualify for additional support. If someone cares for you for at least 35 hours a week, they may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase the amount of Pension Credit or Housing Benefit you receive, and it may help you qualify for Council Tax Reduction. It is worth noting that Attendance Allowance is being gradually reviewed as part of wider disability benefit reforms, but existing claimants continue to receive it.
Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27
Eligibility
- You have reached State Pension age
- You have a physical or mental disability that means you need help with personal care
- You have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill)
- You live in England or Wales (in Scotland, new claims are for Pension Age Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland instead)
How to Claim
Claim by calling 0800 731 0122 to request a claim form, or download form AA1 from gov.uk. If you are terminally ill, your claim will be fast-tracked under the special rules.
What Attendance Allowance Adds Up To Over a Year
Rates are published weekly, which makes it easy to underestimate what a claim is worth. The figures below multiply each 2026/27 rate out to a full year, for each component you qualify for.
If Your Claim Is Refused
A refusal, or an award lower than you expected, is not the end of the process. Ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter, explaining which part you disagree with and adding any evidence the decision maker did not have. If the reconsideration goes against you, you can appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of the reconsideration notice. The Ministry of Justice's tribunal statistics show that a large share of benefit appeals that reach a hearing are decided in the claimant's favour, so it is worth pursuing, and free help is available from Citizens Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Attendance Allowance and PIP?
Attendance Allowance is for people who have reached State Pension age, while PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age. Attendance Allowance only has a care component (no mobility component), whereas PIP has both daily living and mobility components. If you were already receiving PIP when you reached State Pension age, you continue to receive PIP rather than switching to Attendance Allowance.
Is Attendance Allowance taxable?
No. Attendance Allowance is completely tax-free. It does not count as income for tax purposes and does not need to be reported on your Self Assessment tax return. It is also disregarded when calculating entitlement to means-tested benefits.
Can I get Attendance Allowance if I live in a care home?
Generally, Attendance Allowance is not paid if your care home fees are funded (in whole or in part) by a local authority. However, if you pay for your own care home fees entirely, you can continue to receive Attendance Allowance. If you live in your own home and receive care there, you can claim regardless of who funds the care.
Official Sources
The rates and rules on this page come from the following official publications and were checked on 25 September 2026. Read how we check our figures.