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Attendance Allowance in Winter: Extra Support You Might Not Know About

Winter brings extra challenges for many older adults — colder weather, higher heating bills, mobility difficulties, and health conditions that tend to worsen as temperatures drop.


But what many people don’t realise is that Attendance Allowance can offer vital support during the winter months, especially if a long-term illness, mobility issue or memory problem affects day-to-day life.

In fact, thousands of people who could qualify still don’t claim — and this means they miss out on up to £110.40 a week that could help them stay safe, warm and independent at home.

Here’s everything you need to know about how Attendance Allowance can help this winter.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help because of:

  • Illness

  • Mobility problems

  • Memory issues

  • Disabilities

  • Vulnerability or risk of falls

  • Difficulties with everyday tasks

Over 57 health conditions qualify and it doesn’t matter what your income, savings or home ownership status is — none of this affects eligibility.

The support is paid at two weekly rates, depending on how much help you need:

  • Lower rate: £73.90

  • Higher rate: £110.40

That’s over £5,000 a year tax-free.

Why Winter Makes Attendance Allowance Even More Important

1. Higher Heating Costs

Winter often means bigger energy bills — yet many older adults avoid turning the heating on because of rising costs. Attendance Allowance can help cover essentials like heating, keeping your home warm and safe.

2. Health Conditions Worsen in Cold Weather

Conditions such as arthritis, COPD, heart problems, and mobility issues can become harder to manage.
If your symptoms worsen in winter, you may now meet the criteria without realising.

3. Increased Risk of Falls

Icy paths, darker evenings and reduced mobility all contribute to a greater risk of falls.
Attendance Allowance considers your safety, not just the physical help you receive.

4. Limited Access to Support

Bad weather often makes it harder to get to appointments, run errands or rely on family support.
If you need more supervision or help because of this — it counts.

What Attendance Allowance Can Help With in Winter

While the money is paid directly to you and not tied to specific costs, many people use it for:

  • Heating costs

  • Home adaptations

  • Mobility aids

  • Transport to medical appointments

  • Support with shopping or housework

  • Extra help to stay independent

  • Safety measures at home

It can also unlock additional support, such as:

  • Council Tax reductions

  • Pension Credit top-ups

  • Other health and social care support

Why So Many People Miss Out

Despite millions being eligible, around 58% of applications are rejected.
This is mostly because the 32-page form is complex and people don’t explain their difficulties clearly enough.

Common reasons people don’t apply:

  • They think they “manage fine”

  • They don’t want to be a burden

  • They assume it’s means-tested (it isn’t)

  • They struggle to complete the form

  • They believe only people with carers qualify

In reality, anyone who needs help, support or supervision — even if only sometimes — may qualify.

How to Know If You (or a Loved One) Might Qualify

You may qualify if any of these apply:

  • You need help getting dressed, washed or moving around

  • You have dizziness or risk of falls

  • You struggle with household tasks

  • You forget or lose track of things due to memory issues

  • You have a medical condition that affects daily life

  • You need supervision for your safety

  • Your condition has worsened in the colder months

Even if you’re coping, if it takes you longer, causes pain, or makes you unsafe, that counts.

How We Can Help This Winter

The form is long, detailed and easy to get wrong — which is why many people are turned down unnecessarily.

We help by:

  • Completing the full 32-page form with you

  • Making sure your difficulties are explained clearly

  • Avoiding the common mistakes that lead to rejection

  • Giving you the best possible chance of a successful claim

Winter is a time when no one should be struggling in silence. If you think Attendance Allowance might help, or you’re unsure whether you qualify, we’re here to guide you.

Ready to Get the Support You Deserve?

If you or a loved one might benefit from Attendance Allowance this winter, now is the time to apply.
Benefits aren’t backdated — so every week you wait could mean money lost.

Get in touch with us today and we’ll help you through the whole process.

 

 

 

Attendance Allowance in Winter: Extra Support You Might Not Know About
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What our customers say
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You gave me an a very good service.Thank you so much
John Delves
Could never have done it without your help and a massive thankyou to you all
Malcolm. Mitchell
Spoke to the lovely people at Jonathan Owen. They were all very polite and considerate and overall extremely helpful. They helped me through the process of claiming attendance allowance with a successful result at the end. Very well worth the fee you pay at the end.
Penelope Sadler
It was a pleasure to deal with the good people at Jonathanowen. They made the whole procedure of Attendance Allowance claim so easy and were really kind, considerate and very experienced with Attendance Allowance claims.They guided me through the entire claim over the phone and continually offered advice and experience suitable to my claim and reasons for the claim.Once the claim was submitted I was continually kept in touch and up to date by phone and letter.Jonathan Owen offer real service which is beyond reproach. I am so glad I chose Jonathanowen, I would have been thoroughly lost in the process without them. I thoroughly recommend Jonathanowen and staff.
Ronald Dawson
Glad I used this service, and am very pleased with the outcome I felt confident that my health issues were taken seriously.
Maureen Dell
I had a very positive experience with the Jonathan Owen wills.I really appreciated the professional and compassionate way they handled my case.
Mohammad Puthiyodathel
i would like to thank jonathan owen for there help in my application for attendance allowence i would highly recommend them.
susan baker
I cannot thank Jonathan Owen and the Attendance Allowance team enough for their incredible help. Filling out the Attendance Allowance form felt overwhelming and daunting to tackle on my own, and I honestly wouldn't have been able to complete it without their guidance.The team was unbelievably patient, knowledgeable, and compassionate from start to finish. They walked me through the entire process step-by-step, taking away all the stress and making sure every detail was accurately covered. If you or a loved one are struggling with the application process, I cannot recommend Jonathan Owen’s team highly enough. Truly top-class service!
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