Glossary · UK
What is Attendance Allowance?
A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental disability.
Full Definition
Attendance Allowance helps with the extra costs of a long-term illness or disability if you have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care (such as washing, dressing or eating) or supervision to stay safe. It is not means-tested, so your income, savings and National Insurance record do not affect eligibility, and it is paid tax-free without counting towards the benefit cap. There are two weekly rates: a lower rate for those needing help during the day or at night, and a higher rate for those needing help both day and night, or who are terminally ill. To qualify you must usually have needed help for at least six months (this waiting period is waived under special rules for terminal illness). Receiving Attendance Allowance can also increase other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. In Scotland, Attendance Allowance is being replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, administered by Social Security Scotland, though it works in broadly the same way. Claims are made to the Department for Work and Pensions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.