Attendance Allowance 2025/26: New Rates and How to Claim

Attendance Allowance is one of the most under-claimed benefits in the UK. It is not means-tested, it does not depend on National Insurance contributions, and it can make a real difference to the cost of care at home. From April 2025 the weekly rates have gone up.

Here is what you need to know.

Attendance Allowance rates from April 2025

• Lower rate: £73.90 a week, for people who need frequent help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
• Higher rate: £110.40 a week, for people who need help or supervision both day and night, or who are terminally ill.

Figures are from GOV.UK for the 2025/26 tax year. Payments are usually made every four weeks.

Who can claim?

You may be able to get Attendance Allowance if you:

• have reached State Pension age;
• have a physical or mental disability or illness, including dementia, that means you need help with personal care or someone to keep an eye on you; and
• have needed that help for at least six months (unless you are terminally ill, in which case special rules apply and claims are dealt with faster).

Importantly, you do not need to actually be receiving help to claim. What matters is that you need it. And your income and savings do not affect it.

What counts as needing help?

Think about the whole day and night. Help with washing, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, eating, taking medication, moving around safely, or needing someone to check you are safe because of confusion or the risk of falling can all count.

How to claim

1. Get the claim form (AA1) from GOV.UK, or call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122.
2. Fill it in honestly and in detail. Describe a bad day, not a good one, and explain how long tasks take and what happens if help is not there.
3. Include a supporting statement from someone who knows you well, such as a family member, GP or carer, if you can.
4. Post it back. You will hear about a decision by letter.

Charities such as Age UK and Citizens Advice can help you fill in the form for free.

Does it affect other benefits?

Getting Attendance Allowance can increase other benefits, such as Pension Credit or Housing Benefit, and may mean a family carer can claim Carer’s Allowance. It is worth checking with a benefits adviser.

Using Attendance Allowance to pay for home care

You can spend Attendance Allowance however you like. Many people use it to pay for a few hours of home care each week, such as help getting up in the morning, a hot lunch, or a companionship visit. At the higher rate it can cover a meaningful number of visits.

Our Attendance Allowance page has more detail, and our team can talk you through what support might look like.

Home care in Saffron Walden

Here to Care supports older and disabled adults across Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages with personal care, dementia care and home help, seven days a week. We are rated Good by the Care Quality Commission.

Call us on 01799 218190 or get in touch to talk about care.