Overview
- Policy in Practice and MoneySavingExpert estimate about 1.1 million eligible pensioners are not claiming Attendance Allowance, leaving roughly £5.2 billion a year unclaimed.
- Attendance Allowance pays £73.90 or £110.40 a week depending on care needs and is usually paid every four weeks, with around 1.7–1.9 million people currently receiving it across Great Britain.
- The benefit is tax-free, non-means-tested and can increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, though it does not cover mobility needs.
- The DWP urges claimants to report changes that can raise awards, including worsening conditions or a terminal diagnosis under Special Rules for End of Life, which can fast-track the higher rate.
- Unpaid carers may miss about £2.4 billion in Carer’s Allowance, which pays £83.30 a week for at least 35 hours of care to someone on qualifying benefits, with only one claimant allowed per cared-for person.