Attendance Allowance

About Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a non-means tested benefit for people aged 66 or over who need help with their personal care because of a physical or mental disability.  It is paid at two rates depending on whether you need help daytime, night-time or both.  

There are special rules about Attendance Allowance if you are terminally ill Attendance Allowance: How to claim – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you already receive Disability Living Allowance,  Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment.

Attendance Allowance does not provide any assistance with mobility needs. You may qualify for benefits such as Pension Credit, or an increase in your Pension Credit, if you get Attendance Allowance so get a benefit check to find out what will happen if your claim succeeds.

You can find information about Attendance Allowance from Age Scotland here Attendance Allowance | Age Scotland (ageuk.org.uk)

Eligibility

You can get Attendance Allowance if you’re 66 or over and:

  • you have a physical disability, sensory, mental, learning or cognitive disability and 
  • your disability means that you need help caring for yourself or someone to supervise you, for your own or someone else’s safety

You must also:

  • be in Great Britain when you claim – there are some exceptions such as  members and family members of the Armed Forces
  • have been in Great Britain for at least 2 of the last 3 years
  • be habitually resident in the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands
  • not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)

There are some exceptions to these conditions depending on where you live. 

 

How to claim

Call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Attendance Allowance helpline. 

Tel: 0800 731 0122
Text: 0800 731 0317

 They will then send out an information pack and self-assessment form. It is important to include as much detailed information about your care needs as you can.

Attendance Allowance can be backdated to the date of your phone call if you return the claim pack within 6 weeks. 

If you do not agree with the decision about your Attendance Allowance get advice from a specialist welfare benefits adviser. 

 

Useful Contacts

Scottish Disability Directory

Search online for details of local disability information services and welfare rights services.

 

Information last updated on 15 February 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.

If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.

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