Check your eligibility for Attendance Allowance and see the weekly and annual payment rates for 2026-27.
This calculator provides estimates based on 2026-27 rates. Attendance Allowance eligibility depends on a DWP assessment of your care needs. Contact DWP or Citizens Advice for guidance.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age (66 or over) and need help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability. Unlike many UK benefits, it is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect your eligibility or the amount you receive. For the 2026-27 tax year, Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: a lower rate of GBP 76.70 per week for people who need help during the day or at night, and a higher rate of GBP 114.60 per week for those who need help both during the day and at night. The higher rate also applies if you are terminally ill. This calculator checks your basic eligibility and shows the weekly and annual payment you could receive. Attendance Allowance is widely underclaimed, with many older people unaware they qualify. Receiving it can also increase your entitlement to other means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit and Council Tax Reduction.
To check your Attendance Allowance eligibility: 1. Enter your age. You must be at least 66 (State Pension age) to qualify. If you are under 66, you may be eligible for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead. 2. Select when you need help with personal care. Choose "Daytime only" or "Night-time only" if you need help during one period. Choose "Both day and night" if you need help during both periods. 3. Indicate whether you already receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or PIP. You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you receive either of these benefits. 4. Review your results showing whether you are likely eligible, the weekly rate you would receive, and the annual total.
Attendance Allowance eligibility and rates are determined by straightforward rules: Eligibility: You must be aged 66 or over (State Pension age). You must need help with personal care or supervision due to a disability. You must have needed this help for at least 6 months (waived for terminal illness). You must not already receive DLA or PIP. Rate determination: If you need help during the day or night (but not both), you receive the lower rate of GBP 76.70 per week. If you need help both during the day and at night, you receive the higher rate of GBP 114.60 per week. Annual calculation: Weekly rate multiplied by 52. Lower rate: GBP 76.70 x 52 = GBP 3,988.40 per year. Higher rate: GBP 114.60 x 52 = GBP 5,959.20 per year. There is no means test. Income, savings, and other financial circumstances do not affect eligibility or payment.
Inputs: Age: 70, Care needs: Both day and night, Receiving DLA/PIP: No
Inputs: Age: 75, Care needs: Daytime only, Receiving DLA/PIP: No
Inputs: Age: 60, Care needs: Both day and night, Receiving DLA/PIP: No
Attendance Allowance is one of the most valuable benefits for older people, yet many eligible claimants do not apply. Common reasons include not realising they qualify, believing their condition is "not bad enough," or assuming it only covers people who need 24-hour care. In reality, you may qualify if you need help with tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, or if you need supervision to stay safe. You do not need to have a carer to claim Attendance Allowance. The benefit is based on the help you need, not the help you currently receive. If someone in your household starts providing regular care as a result of your Attendance Allowance claim, they may qualify for Carer's Allowance (GBP 86.45/week in 2026-27). Attendance Allowance can also increase the amount of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction you receive, because these benefits have additional premiums for disability. In some cases, receiving Attendance Allowance can unlock hundreds of pounds per year in extra support from other benefits. To apply, you can request a claim form (AA1) by calling 0800 731 0122 or download it from gov.uk. The form asks about your medical conditions and how they affect your daily life. It is helpful to describe your worst days, not your best ones, when completing the form.