Could you or someone you love be missing out on up to £110 a week?
Latest figures suggest that more than a million older people in the UK are eligible for Attendance Allowance but haven’t claimed it. This cash boost could help cover care costs, transport, or even just make everyday life a little easier — yet billions of pounds are going unclaimed every year.
How many people are missing out?
According to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) data, around 1.9 million people currently claim Attendance Allowance across Great Britain. However, research by Policy in Practice found that over 1.1 million pension-age households may be eligible but aren’t claiming — leaving an estimated £5.2 billion unclaimed each year.
That means thousands of people in every town could be missing out on a benefit designed to support those with disabilities or health conditions.
“Attendance Allowance isn’t means-tested — so your income and savings don’t affect eligibility,” explains MoneyMagpie’s personal finance editor Vicky Parry. “Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth checking. You could be entitled to hundreds of pounds each month.”
Who can get Attendance Allowance?
- You must be State Pension age or over.
- You have a disability or long-term health condition that affects daily living (washing, dressing, eating, or moving around).
- You’ve needed help or supervision for at least six months (unless you’re terminally ill, when fast-track rules apply).
Importantly, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. You can claim it even if you have savings or a private pension. The money is tax-free and can be spent however you choose — whether that’s paying for care, transport, or home support.
How much is Attendance Allowance in 2025?
- Lower rate: £72.65 per week (for daytime or night-time help)
- Higher rate: £108.55 per week (for help needed day and night, or if terminally ill)
That’s up to £5,645 a year, tax-free — money that could make a huge difference for many older people on fixed incomes.
How to claim Attendance Allowance (step-by-step)
- Get the claim form (AA1): Order it by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline or download it from GOV.UK.
- Fill it in carefully: Be specific about what help you need and how often. Use examples — like needing help getting dressed or reminders to take medication.
- Attach supporting evidence: GP notes, care plans or hospital letters can help, but you can still claim without them.
- Post the form back: Keep a copy for your records. Claims are usually backdated to the day you requested the form.
- Need help? Contact Age UK or Citizens Advice for free help filling in the form.
If your claim is refused, don’t give up — you can request a mandatory reconsideration or appeal. Many people win on review when they include more detail about their daily struggles.
Why so many people miss out
- They’ve never heard of Attendance Allowance.
- They think it’s means-tested (it isn’t).
- They assume their health issues aren’t “bad enough”.
- They find the form daunting or confusing.
Charities like Age UK and Independent Age can help you complete the form for free — and can even submit it on your behalf. It’s worth the effort, as claiming Attendance Allowance can also unlock other support such as Council Tax reductions, Pension Credit, or disability-related grants.
Don’t leave money on the table
Attendance Allowance can be a financial lifeline for people struggling with health conditions in later life. With over a million households potentially missing out, it’s worth taking 20 minutes to check if you or a loved one qualify.
Even if you only receive the lower rate, that’s more than £3,700 a year — enough to help with heating, travel, or essential care costs. Don’t miss out.
FAQs about Attendance Allowance (2025)
It usually takes between six and ten weeks to get a decision, depending on demand. Payments are backdated to when you applied.
Yes — usually to the date your form was received by DWP, or the date you requested the form if you returned it within six weeks.
No — it’s tax-free and doesn’t affect your Pension Credit or Council Tax Reduction. In fact, it can help you qualify for extra payments.
In Scotland, new claims are handled by Social Security Scotland under the Pension Age Disability Payment, which replaces Attendance Allowance for new applicants.
For more guides on claiming benefits, saving money, and making your retirement income go further, visit our Make Money and Save Money sections.
