Attendance Allowance 2026/27
Attendance Allowance is £76.70 a week at the lower rate or £114.60 a week at the higher rate in 2026/27. It is for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. It is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not change it.
The rules in three lines
- You have reached State Pension age and have a physical or mental disability or a health condition.
- You need help caring for yourself, or someone to supervise you for safety, and you have needed it for at least 6 months.
- The lower rate is for help during the day or at night; the higher rate is for help both day and night, or near the end of life.
| What | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 a week |
| Higher rate | £114.60 a week |
Source: www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027/proposed-benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027, checked 12 October 2026; www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/eligibility, checked 12 October 2026; www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance/what-youll-get, checked 12 October 2026.
This is information, not advice. The Department for Work and Pensions decides every claim. In Scotland, Pension Age Disability Payment has replaced Attendance Allowance for new claims.
What the allowance is for
Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs of needing care. You do not need to have a carer already, and you can spend the money however you choose. It does not have a mobility part, so it does not cover help with getting around outdoors.
What else it can unlock
An award can add an extra amount to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. Someone who cares for you for at least the required hours each week may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. The disability award checklist sets out these next checks in order, with the official page for each.
Claiming
The Attendance Allowance page on GOV.UK explains how to claim. There are special rules for people nearing the end of life, which can mean a faster decision and the higher rate. Your State Pension is not reduced by Attendance Allowance.