Attendance Allowance Explained

What Benefits Are Available for Care? Let's cover: Who qualifies Lower vs higher rate How much (update annually) What it can be used for Common myths Many families don't realise Attendance Allowance can be used to support private care — including paying a self-employed carer. It's not means-tested It's tax-free It's paid directly to the person It is there to help with care needs Attendance Allowance Explained (For Over 66s) Basic eligibility: Over State Pension age Has a physical disability, illness or mental health condition Needs help with personal care or supervision Has needed help for at least 6 months (unless terminally ill) Lives in the UK Help can include: Washing & dressing Medication supervision Preventing falls Prompting for dementia Night supervision Lower vs Higher Rate Lower rate If help is needed: During the day OR During the night Higher rate If help is needed: During the day AND the night How Much Is It? Attendance Allowance is paid weekly at two rates. These rates are reviewed annually by the government. At the time of writing, February 2026, the rate is: Attendance Allowance Weekly Rates Lower rate: £73.90 per week – if help or supervision is needed during the day OR at night. Higher rate: £110.40 per week – if help or supervision is needed both day AND night, or if the person is terminally ill under special rules. What That Means Annually Lower rate works out to around £3,840 a year. Higher rate works out to around £5,740 a year. 📍 These figures are current up to at least April 2026, based on official UK government guidance — and rates are reviewed and usually uprated each year. Link: Gov.uk You can claim for Attendance Allowance online or by post and can access the claim form here: UK Attendance Allowance Claim Form