Attendance Allowance rates, payments and qualifying period

Current weekly rates

Attendance Allowance is paid at a lower rate and a higher rate. Rates are reviewed each April — check GOV.UK for current weekly payment amounts.

Attendance Allowance is tax-free and is not affected by savings, income, or whether you or your partner work.

The qualifying period

In most cases, you must have needed the level of care or supervision you require for at least 6 months before you can claim Attendance Allowance. This is the qualifying period.

This does not mean you need to have had formal care in place for 6 months — it means your care needs must have existed at that level for that long.

Terminal illness exception

If you are terminally ill and not expected to live longer than 6 months, the qualifying period is waived. You can claim immediately under the special rules for terminal illness, and you will automatically receive the higher rate.

A doctor’s written statement (DS1500 or SR1 form) is needed to support a terminal illness claim.

How Attendance Allowance is paid

Attendance Allowance is paid directly into a bank, building society, or Post Office account. It is usually paid every 4 weeks. You can spend it however you wish — it does not have to be spent on specific care.

Effect on other benefits

Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase the amount of other means-tested benefits you receive. For example, it may increase the amount of Pension Credit or Housing Benefit you are entitled to. Check with the DWP or GOV.UK if you receive other benefits.

Official source

For current rates: GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance: what you’ll get

Attendance Allowance rates for 2026/27

These amounts are for the 2026/27 tax year and usually change each April. Always check the current figures on the official source: GOV.UK benefit and pension rates.