Read our useful guide to Attendance Allowance, a non-means tested benefit: What It Is, Who Qualifies, and How to Claim it.

What is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit designed for individuals over State Pension age who require assistance with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability. Whether it's help with daily activities, supervision for safety, or managing long-term health conditions like sensory disabilities or learning difficulties, Attendance Allowance can provide crucial financial support.

Who Can Qualify?
You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if:

• You have a physical or mental health condition that requires assistance with everyday tasks.
• You live either at home or in a care home (and meet specific eligibility criteria).

Crucially, you do not need to have a caregiver in place to make a claim. The decision is based on the level of help you need, not the support you currently receive.

Why Apply for Attendance Allowance?

• It’s not means-tested: Your income or savings won’t affect your eligibility.
• Boost other benefits: Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase other benefits like Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.
• Tax-free payments: It won’t be counted as taxable income or affect your tax status.

Considerations for Local Authority-Funded Care
If you receive care funded by your local authority (at home or in a care home), Attendance Allowance payments may be taken into account during the financial assessment. Payments will stop if local authority funding exceeds 28 days.

Support for Carers
Attendance Allowance doesn’t just benefit you—it can also support your carer. If you have a regular carer, they may qualify for Carer’s Allowance, providing additional financial support for their efforts.

How to Claim Attendance Allowance

1. Start Your Claim
   Visit the official GOV.UK Attendance Allowance page to download the claim form or request one by post.
2. What You’ll Need
3. Your National Insurance number
4. Your address and contact details
5. Information about your health condition or disability
6. Details of your GP surgery or medical centre
7. Processing Times
   Claims are usually processed within 40 working days, and payments can be backdated to the date your claim form was received.
8. Fast-Track for Terminal Illness
   If you’re applying on behalf of someone with a terminal illness who is not expected to live beyond six months, the process is expedited, with claims typically processed within eight working days.

Need Help Applying?
If you’re unsure how to complete the forms or would like advice tailored to your situation, our team is here to help. Contact us for free, friendly advice and support on 01443 490650.