Help With Care Costs: How Attendance Allowance Supports Over-66s
As we get older, everyday tasks can become more challenging — whether it's due to a physical condition, illness, or simply the natural effects of ageing. Many pensioners find themselves needing a bit of extra help, but are unsure how to afford it amidst the current cost of living crisis.
That’s where Attendance Allowance comes in. It’s a tax-free government benefit designed specifically to help people over the age of 66 manage the additional costs that come with needing care or supervision. Yet, many eligible people aren’t claiming it — often because they don’t know it exists or assume they won’t qualify.
Attendance Allowance is there to help you live independently, safely, and with dignity. If you're over 66 and your health is making everyday life harder, you're not alone — and you don't have to struggle in silence.
Whether you use it for practical help or just a bit of breathing room in your budget, this benefit could provide hundreds of pounds each month — and most importantly - without affecting your other income or savings.
This guide explains what Attendance Allowance is, who can claim it, how much you could receive, and how it can help you or a loved one remain independent and financially supported.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people of State Pension age or older who have a disability or health condition that means they need support with personal care. This could include physical or mental health challenges, long-term illness, or conditions like asthma, high blood pressure, dementia, arthritis, Parkinson’s, or vision impairment - to name just a few.
You don’t need to be receiving care services — the benefit is there if you need help, whether you're getting that support or not.
It’s designed to help with extra costs that come from needing assistance — for example, hiring a cleaner, paying for transport, home adaptations, or informal support.
What Kinds of Help Count?
You might be eligible if you:
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Need help with washing, dressing, or using the toilet
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Struggle to prepare or eat meals on your own
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Need reminders to take medication
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Have mobility issues or risk of falls
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Experience confusion, anxiety, or memory loss
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Require supervision to stay safe during the day or at night
Remember: It’s not just about physical help — mental health and cognitive conditions count too.
How Much Could You Get?
As of April 2025, there are two rates of Attendance Allowance:
This is paid every four weeks, directly into your bank account — and the money is yours to use as you wish, whether that's on practical care or services that improve your quality of life.
How Attendance Allowance Can Help
Receiving Attendance Allowance can make a real difference. You might choose to use it to:
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Pay for a cleaner, gardener, or help with shopping
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Hire a carer for occasional visits or daily tasks
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Adapt your home with grab rails, stairlifts, or better lighting
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Cover the cost of transport to medical appointments
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Contribute towards a private care provider
It also opens the door to additional help, such as:
Who Qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
To be eligible, you must:
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Be State Pension age or older (currently 66+)
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Have a disability or health condition that affects your daily living
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Have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill)
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Be living in Great Britain (there are different rules if you live in Northern Ireland)
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Not be receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) — if you already receive one of these, you won’t be eligible for Attendance Allowance
Good to know: Your income and savings do NOT affect your eligibility, and you don’t need a diagnosis — what matters is how your condition affects your daily life.
How to Apply for Attendance Allowance
Applying involves filling out a detailed 30+ page form, which can feel a little daunting. Many people are often rejected due to completing the form incorrectly. That’s where we come in.
Our team specialises in completing Attendance Allowance applications on behalf of our clients. We know exactly what decision-makers are looking for, and we’ll ensure your form is filled in clearly, accurately, and in the best possible way to support your claim — all with the goal of helping you get accepted first time.
Should your application be successful we charge a fee of £600, which is usually covered by your first back dated payment. All subsequent payments are 100% yours to keep and spend however you like.
We take away the stress, avoid the jargon, and give you peace of mind.
Get in touch with us today to book a free, no-obligation chat — and let us take care of the paperwork for you.
