Overview
- Policy in Practice and MoneySavingExpert estimate about 1.1 million pensioner households are not claiming Attendance Allowance, leaving roughly £5.2 billion unclaimed each year.
- Attendance Allowance is paid at £73.90 or £110.40 per week depending on care needs, is not means-tested or taxed, and can increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax reductions.
- DWP figures show around 1.7–1.9 million people already claim, with arthritis the most common qualifying condition among a list of 48 reported health issues.
- Eligibility generally requires State Pension age, difficulties that have lasted six months, and UK residence rules, with no payment if you receive PIP, DLA, ADP or AFIP or if a local authority funds your care home costs; special end-of-life rules fast-track the higher rate.
- Coverage also highlights linked support including Carer’s Allowance of £83.30 a week with a 35-hour care rule and a four-week overseas limit, Pension Credit as a gateway to a free TV licence for some over-75s, HMRC guidance to stop National Insurance at 66, and state pension increases taking effect on 6 April 2026.