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Attendance Allowance Update: Reporting Changes Can Lift Payments to £110.40 a Week

The tax-free benefit supports older people who need personal care, with awards worth up to £5,740 a year.

Overview

  • Claimants receive either £73.90 or £110.40 a week, usually paid every four weeks as £295.60 or £441.60 across 13 pay periods a year.
  • If a condition worsens or a terminal diagnosis is confirmed, the Department for Work and Pensions can move a claimant to the higher rate under special rules.
  • About 1.7 million people are on Attendance Allowance, which is assessed on care needs rather than diagnosis, despite media lists of 48 commonly claimed conditions.
  • The benefit is not means-tested and is tax-free, and it can increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
  • Older people in Scotland must claim the devolved Pension Age Disability Payment from Social Security Scotland, and you cannot usually receive Attendance Allowance alongside DLA, PIP or ADP.