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Attendance Allowance Rates 2026: Current Amounts, Eligibility and How to Claim
Written by
Georgina, Founder of Purpl
Published on
January 22, 2026
Attendance Allowance is a non means tested benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability, long term health condition, or age related impairment.
Many people search for “Attendance Allowance rates 2026” after hearing about benefit increases or receiving an award letter, but the wording can be confusing. In practice, people are usually asking either what the current rate is during 2026, or what the new rates will be from April 2026.
This guide explains the current Attendance Allowance amounts, the proposed 2026 rates, who can qualify, how the rate is decided, and how to claim — with official UK sources linked throughout.
At a glance
- Attendance Allowance is paid at two fixed weekly rates
- It is not means tested
- Rates are based on care or supervision needs, not diagnosis
- Current rates apply from April 2025 to April 2026
- New uprated rates are proposed from April 2026
- Most people must have needed help for at least six months
- Different rules apply if someone is nearing the end of life
- Scotland uses Pension Age Disability Payment for new claims
- Care home funding can affect entitlement
- Attendance Allowance can increase other benefits
In this article
- What are the current Attendance Allowance Rates for 2026?
- What medical conditions qualify for Attendance Allowance?
- Who is eligible for Attendance Allowance?
- How is the Attendance Allowance rate decided?
- How do you apply for Attendance Allowance?
- What are the most common Attendance Allowance pitfalls?
- Can Attendance Allowance be paid in a care home?
- Can Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Final thoughts
What are the current Attendance Allowance Rates for 2026?
The phrase “Attendance Allowance rates 2026” is commonly used in two different ways.
Most people mean either:
- The uprated rates starting in April 2026
- The rates being paid during 2026
Current Attendance Allowance rates (April 2025 to end of March 2026)
| Rate | Weekly amount | What it covers (high level) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £73.90 | Frequent help or supervision during the day or supervision at night |
| Higher rate | £110.40 | Help or supervision throughout both day and night, or qualifying under end-of-life rules |
Official source: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance: What you’ll get (NI Direct lists the same weekly rates for Northern Ireland).
Proposed Attendance Allowance rates from April 2026
The government has published proposed benefit rates for 2026 (from 1st April 2026). These are subject to confirmation through the usual uprating process.
| Rate | Proposed weekly amount (from April 2026) |
|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70 |
| Higher rate | £114.60 |
Official source: GOV.UK — Proposed benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027
Purpl Insight: Attendance Allowance is paid weekly and is worth over £5,700 a year at the higher rate.
What medical conditions qualify for Attendance Allowance?
There is no list of qualifying medical conditions for Attendance Allowance.
Decisions are based on how a condition affects daily life, not the name of a diagnosis.
Attendance Allowance looks at whether someone needs help with:
- Personal care such as washing, dressing, eating, or using the toilet
- Supervision to stay safe, including because of confusion, falls risk, memory issues, or mental health symptoms
Conditions that commonly lead to successful claims include physical disabilities, sensory impairments, learning disabilities, mental health conditions, and cognitive conditions such as dementia — but the evidence must focus on care needs, not labels.
Purpl Tip: Always describe what help is needed on a bad day, not just what someone can manage on a good one.
Who is eligible to claim Attendance Allowance?
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, all of the following must apply:
- You have reached State Pension age
- You have a disability, illness, or health condition that means you need help with personal care or supervision
- You have needed that help for at least six months
- You meet the residence and presence rules
Different rules apply if someone is nearing the end of life, where the six month qualifying period does not apply.
Official source: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance: Eligibility
If living in Scotland
In Scotland, people make new claims for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance. Social Security Scotland moves some existing Attendance Allowance awards over automatically.
Official sources: GOV.UK — Scotland guidance, mygov.scot — Moving to Pension Age Disability Payment
If living in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses a different application route via NI Direct. Eligibility principles are similar (State Pension age, care/supervision needs, and the 6-month rule).
Official sources: NI Direct — Attendance Allowance, NI Direct — Claim Attendance Allowance
How is the Attendance Allowance Rate decided?
Attendance Allowance does not use income or savings to set the rate.
Decision makers choose one of two fixed weekly rates:
- Lower rate when you need help or supervision during the day or at night
- Higher rate when you need help or supervision during both day and night, or when end of life rules apply
Official source: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance rates
Purpl Insights: Night time supervision includes needing someone awake to keep you safe, not just physical care.
How do you apply for Attendance Allowance?
Applying in England and Wales
- Apply online or request a paper form
- Give detailed examples of care and supervision needs
- Return the form by post or submit online where available
Official source: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance: How to claim
Applying in Northern Ireland
- Apply through NI Direct
- Paper claims use form AA1
Official sources: NI Direct — Claim Attendance Allowance, NI Direct — Attendance Allowance
Purpl Tip: Keep copies of your completed form and note the date it was sent — this can help if there are delays or queries.
What are the most common Attendance Allowance pitfalls?
- Describing a diagnosis instead of care needs
- Underplaying difficulties out of pride or habit
- Not explaining supervision needs clearly
- Missing the six month qualifying rule
- Using the wrong claim system in Scotland or Northern Ireland
- Not reporting changes in circumstances
Official sources: GOV.UK — Eligibility rules, GOV.UK — Report a change in circumstances
Can Attendance Allowance be paid in a care home?
Attendance Allowance usually stops if someone moves into a care home and the local authority pays towards the fees.
People who pay their care home costs in full privately can usually continue to receive Attendance Allowance.
Official source: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance: Eligibility (care home rule)
Can Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
Yes. Attendance Allowance does not reduce other benefits, but it can increase entitlement to additional support in some situations.
Attendance Allowance is not means tested and does not count as income. Receiving it can still change how other benefits are worked out and unlock extra help.
In short, Attendance Allowance can:
- Increase Pension Credit in some cases, including through disability related additions
- Affect Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, often positively
- Allow a carer to claim Carer’s Allowance, if the care rules are met
- Support access to other help linked to disability or care needs
Attendance Allowance does not reduce State Pension and does not count as income for most benefits.
Purpl Tip: Many people only become eligible for Pension Credit after Attendance Allowance is awarded, so it’s always worth checking again.
Frequently asked questions about Attendance Allowance (FAQs)
What are the Attendance Allowance rates for 2026?
For April 2025 to April 2026, the rates are £73.90 (lower) and £110.40 (higher). From April 2026, the government has proposed rates of £76.70 and £114.60 per week, subject to confirmation
Who can claim Attendance Allowance?
People who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision due to a disability or health condition.
What if you already get PIP?
If you already receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) when you reach State Pension age, you continue to receive PIP. You do not move to Attendance Allowance.
Is Attendance Allowance means tested?
No. Savings and income do not affect entitlement.
Can Attendance Allowance be claimed in Scotland?
In Scotland, people make new claims for Pension Age Disability Payment instead of Attendance Allowance. Social Security Scotland moves some existing Attendance Allowance awards over automatically.
Can Attendance Allowance be paid if someone lives in a care home?
Attendance Allowance usually stops if someone lives in a care home and the local authority pays towards care home costs. People who pay care home costs in full privately can still claim.
How is the Attendance Allowance rate decided?
Decision makers choose one of two fixed weekly rates. The lower rate applies when someone needs help or supervision during the day or at night. The higher rate applies when someone needs help or supervision during both day and night, or when special end-of-life rules apply.
How do I apply for Attendance Allowance?
In Great Britain, people can apply online or by post through the official Attendance Allowance claim route. In Northern Ireland, people claim through NI Direct. Keeping copies of the completed form and supporting documents helps if someone needs to check details later.
Final thoughts
Attendance Allowance provides essential financial support for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. Understanding the current rates, proposed 2026 increases, and eligibility rules can make a significant difference to long term financial security. A strong claim focuses on real life care needs and follows the correct rules for where you live in the UK.
About the Author
Georgina is the founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to helping disabled people save money through exclusive discounts. Living with both Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she understands firsthand the financial challenges that often come with managing a disability. Because of this, her mission is to collaborate with brands to secure discounts that help ease the cost of essential products, services, and everyday expenses for the disabled community.
As an ambulatory wheelchair user, Georgina also knows how it feels to lose a sense of independence due to a disability. For that reason, she’s deeply passionate about using holistic therapies and diet to manage inflammation and stay as healthy as possible. Ultimately, her goal is to make Purpl a trusted, go-to resource for disabled people — one that provides not only discounts but also practical advice, emotional support, and genuine financial relief.
Beyond Purpl, Georgina has a long-term vision to launch a foundation that will offer grants and funding for disabled people who need additional financial support. Through this, she hopes to create lasting change, empowering others to live with dignity, confidence, and choice.
Follow @Purpldiscounts on social media for the latest disability discounts, financial advice, and accessibility resources.
Other articles, or links, you might find useful:
PIP Bill vs Up-Rating Order: What Changes in 2026
DLA to PIP at Age 16: Parent’s Guide to Your Child’s Transition
Disability Living Allowance for Adults: What You Need to Know
How to Apply for PIP and Maximise the Benefits in the UK
How to Challenge a PIP Decision in the UK
PIP Backdated Payments: How Long Will You Wait?
What Illnesses Qualify for Disability Living Allowance & PIP?
Going Abroad On PIP: The 4-Week Rule That Could Pause Your Payments
PIP Discounts and Freebies 2026: Maximise Savings with your PIP Benefit
PIP and the Budget: What Disabled People Want Next
Council Vouchers and Extra Help if Receiving PIP: What’s Available
