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Care Fees & Later Life2 min check

Attendance Allowance Checker

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for those over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. It's not means-tested.

Short answer

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision. In 2026/27 the lower rate is £76.70/week and the higher rate is £114.60/week.
Step 1 of 20%

Eligibility basics

Are you over State Pension age (currently 66)?
Have you lived in the UK for 2 of the last 3 years?
Do you live in a care home where the local authority pays your fees?

Calculation method, coverage and version

Inputs used
Are you over State Pension age (currently 66)?, Have you lived in the UK for 2 of the last 3 years?, Do you live in a care home where the local authority pays your fees?, How long have you needed help?, How often do you need help?, Which tasks do you need help with?.
Calculation approach
The calculator applies the rules and assumptions described in “How it works” to the values you enter. Rounding can cause small differences from an official or provider calculation.
Coverage
Care Fees & Later Life. UK nations, tax treatment, local rules and provider criteria can differ; check the official sources shown below before acting.
Content version
No page-specific review date is currently published. Treat the result as indicative and verify current rules independently.
Not included unless explicitly requested: personal circumstances not entered, provider discretion, future rule changes, professional fees and case-specific exceptions. Read the full calculator methodology.

Primary sources and official verification

Use these official sources to verify current rules before acting. Coverage and dates can differ across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

See the sitewide source policy.

How it works

You don't need a formal diagnosis — what matters is the help you need (washing, dressing, toilet, medication, supervision to stay safe). The DWP scores need over the past 6 months (no qualifying period for terminal illness — fast-tracked via DS1500). The form (AA1) is long; Age UK and Citizens Advice fill it in for free.

Worked example

An 82-year-old needing help during the day may qualify for the lower rate (£76.70 × 52 = £3,988.40/year). If they also need help or supervision at night, the higher rate is £114.60/week (£5,959.20/year).

Who should use this

  • •State Pension age (currently 66+)
  • •Living with a long-term illness or disability
  • •Anyone with terminal illness (fast-tracked, no 6-month wait)
  • •People who care for themselves but unsafely or with great difficulty

Common mistakes

  • ×Underplaying needs — describe your worst day, not your best
  • ×Missing the night needs (broken sleep, supervision counts)
  • ×Filling the form alone — Age UK / CAB success rates are much higher
  • ×Not reapplying after a health change — moves you up to higher rate

Frequently asked questions

Does it affect Pension Credit?▾

No — and it can actually increase Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction by triggering a 'severe disability premium'.

Do I need to be using carers?▾

No. The test is what help you need, not what you receive.

How long does a claim take?▾

8–12 weeks typically; 2 weeks for terminal illness fast-track.

Related calculators

Carer's Allowance Checker →Pension Credit →PIP Checker →Care Home Fees Calculator →