Attendance Allowance Checker UK 2026/27 — Eligibility & Weekly Rates
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age (66) and need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability. The 2026/27 rates are £73.90/week (lower) and £110.40/week (higher). It is not means-tested and does not depend on your NI record.
Rates 2026/27: Lower rate £73.90/week (daytime OR night-time needs), Higher rate £110.40/week (daytime AND night-time needs, or terminal illness). Not means-tested. Does not count as income for most benefit calculations.
Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27
| Rate | Weekly | Annual | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £73.90 | £3,842.80 | Frequent help with personal care during the day OR at night |
| Higher rate | £110.40 | £5,740.80 | Frequent help day AND night, or terminal illness (special rules) |
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is for people who: are aged 66 or over (State Pension age); have a physical or mental disability or illness; have needed care or supervision for at least 6 months (or have a terminal illness — special rules allow immediate payment); and live in England, Scotland, or Wales. There is no requirement to have someone actually caring for you — the assessment is based on the need for care, not whether it is being provided.
Terminal Illness — Special Rules
People with a terminal illness who are not expected to live more than 12 months can claim the higher rate of Attendance Allowance immediately, without waiting the usual 6 months. Claims are fast-tracked and the DS1500/SR1 form from your doctor or specialist supports the claim.
Effect on Other Benefits
Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase your entitlement to other means-tested benefits, including Pension Credit (via the severe disability premium), Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction. It does not reduce your State Pension or other income-based benefits.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applications are made using form AA1, available from gov.uk or by calling the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122, who will post you a form. There is currently no online application route for a standard claim (only the terminal illness route can be started online), so you'll need to fill in the paper form by hand or ask someone to help you complete it. The form asks detailed questions about your care needs across a typical day and night — it's worth taking time over this, describing your worst days as well as your average days, and getting help from a friend, family member, or welfare rights adviser if the process feels overwhelming. Processing typically takes around 6 to 8 weeks from when your completed form is received, though it can take longer during busy periods.
What Counts as "Care Needs" for Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance isn't only about physical help with tasks like washing or dressing — it also covers supervision needed to keep you safe, such as if you're at risk of falls, need reminding to take medication, or need someone to check on you because of confusion or memory problems. Night-time needs are assessed separately from daytime needs and include things like needing help to get to the toilet during the night, needing repositioning to avoid pressure sores, or needing someone to be present in case of a medical emergency such as a seizure. You don't need a formal diagnosis to qualify — what matters is the practical level of help and supervision you need because of your health condition or disability, whatever that condition happens to be.