Answers · UK 2025/26
How does Attendance Allowance work in 2026/27?
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care due to a physical or mental disability. The lower rate is £72.65 per week (day or night need only) and the higher rate is £108.55 per week (day and night need). It does not depend on your NI record or savings and is paid on top of the State Pension.
Full answer
Attendance Allowance (AA) is paid to people who have reached State Pension Age (currently 65+) and need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental disability or illness that has lasted at least six months (or terminal illness, where the six-month rule is waived under Special Rules). The two rates for 2026/27 are: lower rate £72.65 per week -- for people who need frequent help with personal care during the day, or continual supervision during the day to avoid danger, or prolonged or repeated help at night; higher rate £108.55 per week -- for people who need help or supervision both during the day and at night, or who are terminally ill. AA is entirely tax-free. It is not means-tested -- your income, savings, and National Insurance record are irrelevant. It can be paid on top of the State Pension, Pension Credit, and other benefits. Receiving AA can increase other entitlements: it may increase a Pension Credit award (through the severe disability addition), trigger Council Tax discounts, or generate Carer's Allowance for a carer who provides 35+ hours of care per week. AA does not cover care home residents where the local authority funds their care (the local authority pays instead). To claim: complete form AA1 (paper or online at GOV.UK) or call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122. You should not be put off by not having a diagnosis -- the claim is based on the help you need, not the condition causing it. AA is different from the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) -- PIP is for people of working age (16 to State Pension Age) and covers both daily living and mobility components.
Try the calculator
Related guides
More answers
This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.