Attendance Allowance explained

1. Check the basic eligibility and nation

Read the current GOV.UK eligibility rules before starting. The person must have reached State Pension age and meet the care or supervision conditions; the guidance also says they generally need to have needed help for at least six months, unless the end-of-life special rules apply. Attendance Allowance is for people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, new claims are made for Pension Age Disability Payment instead. Other disability benefits can affect which benefit to claim, so tell the benefit service if the person already receives one.

2. Describe support needs, not only diagnoses

For each activity, explain what the person can do safely, what help another person gives, how often help is needed and what can go wrong without it. Examples may include washing, dressing, using the toilet, eating, communicating, taking medicines or staying safe. Include prompting and supervision where relevant, not just hands-on physical help. Describe night needs separately and explain how often they happen. Do not exaggerate or minimise; the form should show an ordinary week, including better and worse days.

3. Gather evidence before filling in the form

Collect the person’s National Insurance number, contact details, GP or other relevant professional, health conditions, treatment, medicines and information about care or hospital stays. Ask the person and anyone they want to involve to make notes about daily help and night supervision. The form is not a medical exam, but accurate examples help the decision maker understand the needs. If a professional report is available, check that it is current and reflects day-to-day support rather than only diagnosis.

4. Make the claim and protect its start date

You can claim online or by post using the current GOV.UK route; a person can also ask for a paper form by phone. The start date can depend on how the claim begins: the official instructions explain when an online submission, received paper form or call for a form can count. If requesting a form by phone, follow the return instructions promptly so the call date is preserved under the stated rules. Keep a copy of the form and note the submission or receipt date. If the person needs help, another person can assist with their agreement.

5. Use Special Rules if a professional says end of life

If a medical professional says the person may have 12 months or less to live, ask about the Special Rules process. The professional completes an SR1 form; the claim can be made by the person or someone helping them, and the higher rate applies under the Special Rules. A face-to-face assessment is not required under that route. This is intended to reduce delay and paperwork, not to require the person to predict an exact date. Tell the professional that a Special Rules claim is being considered and ask them to send the SR1.

6. Respond to questions and keep records

The DWP may contact the claimant or their representative if it needs more information. Keep a copy of the answers, dates and any documents sent. GOV.UK says a text or letter should arrive within three weeks after a claim explaining when to expect a decision; contact the benefit office if the expected update does not arrive. Tell DWP about a change that could affect entitlement. If the decision seems wrong, read the explanation and follow the reconsideration and appeal instructions and deadline in the decision notice; seek welfare-rights advice promptly.

7. Check knock-on effects and related support

A successful award may affect access to other help, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, but it does not mean every extra payment is automatic. Ask a benefits adviser or local council to do a full check. Attendance Allowance itself is not means tested, so savings do not decide eligibility, but other rules and overlapping benefits can matter. Keep award letters and use the decision date when contacting another service.

Common questions