The Difference Between Attendance Allowance and PIP – Know What You're Entitled To
Navigating the UK benefits system can feel confusing – especially when you're dealing with a health condition or supporting a loved one who is. Two benefits that often get mixed up are Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). While both provide financial support for people with health needs, they’re designed for different age groups and situations.
What Is Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who:
- Are State Pension age or older
- Have a long-term health condition or disability
You don’t need to have a carer and you can spend the money however you like.
You cannot claim Attendance Allowance if you are under the age of 66 or already claiming PIP, DLA or ADP.
Current Attendance Allowance weekly rates:
- Lower rate: £73.90
- Higher rate: £110.40
What Is PIP (Personal Independence Payment)?
PIP is for people aged 16 to State Pension age who have a health condition or disability that affects their daily living and/or mobility. It’s made up of:
- A Daily Living component
- A Mobility component
If you’re already on PIP when you reach State Pension age, you can stay on it. But if you haven’t claimed before reaching that age, you’ll need to apply for Attendance Allowance instead. You cannot claim for Attendance Allowance if you already receive PIP.
What’s the Difference?
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Feature
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Attendance Allowance
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PIP
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Age group
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State Pension age and over
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16 to State Pension age
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Includes mobility support?
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 No
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 Yes
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Means-tested?
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No
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No
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Ongoing assessment?
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No medical assessment
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Often includes a medical assessment
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Application format
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Long paper form
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Form + assessment
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Who can apply?
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You or someone acting on your behalf (like us!)
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You must apply directly unless you have a power of attorney
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Applying for Attendance Allowance – We’ll Do It for You
The Attendance Allowance form is long and complicated – many people put it off, fill it out incorrectly, or downplay their condition… and end up missing out on the support they deserve.
That’s where we come in.
At Jonathan Owen, we:
- Complete the full Attendance Allowance application on your behalf
- Make sure all relevant health conditions are explained clearly
- Avoid the common mistakes that lead to delayed or rejected claims
- Take the stress and confusion away from the process
We do this day in, day out and so far we've helped hundreds of people successfully claim the money they’re entitled to.
Don’t Miss Out
Thousands of people in the UK are eligible for Attendance Allowance but never claim it. Many assume they won’t qualify, or simply don’t know where to start.
If you're over age 66 and have physical or mental health condition that affects your day-to-day life there’s a very good chance you could qualify.
>> Find out more and see if you're eligible here!
