Do you qualify?
Attendance Allowance Eligibility Guide
Attendance Allowance is claimed by far fewer people than are actually entitled to it. This guide explains who qualifies, what conditions count, and what level of award you might receive.
The basic criteria
Four Things You Need to Qualify
You need to meet all four of the following criteria to be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
State Pension Age or Over
You must be State Pension age (currently 66) or over to claim Attendance Allowance. If you're under 66, a different benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may apply instead.
You Need Help or Supervision
You must need help with daily activities (washing, dressing, eating, getting around safely) or supervision to keep you safe. You don't have to be actually receiving help — only that you need it.
Important: You do not need someone to be physically helping you — only that you need help. Many people are rejected or underpaid because they describe only the help they currently receive, not the help they actually need.
A Physical or Mental Health Condition
You must have a disability or illness — physical or mental — that means you need help or supervision. There is no minimum number of conditions required.
Your Needs Have Lasted 6 Months
Your condition must have been present for at least 6 months, or be expected to last that long. The only exception is a terminal diagnosis — in which case you can claim immediately at the higher rate.
What conditions count?
Conditions That May Qualify
Almost any health condition can qualify — it depends on how it affects you, not on the diagnosis alone. Here are some of the most common conditions we help with:
Arthritis
Reduced mobility, pain with dressing, washing, and preparing food.
Supervision needs, risk of getting lost, safety concerns at home.
Dementia & Memory Loss
Breathlessness, fatigue, difficulty with exertion and daily tasks.
Heart Conditions
Diabetes
Reduced mobility, pain with dressing, washing, and preparing food.
COPD / Respiratory
Breathlessness affecting mobility, washing, dressing.
Parkinson's Disease
Tremors, mobility difficulties, falls risk, speech issues.
Stroke & TIA
Ongoing effects on mobility, speech, cognition, and daily tasks.
Cancer
Treatment side effects, fatigue, pain, and care needs.
Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety, depression, and other conditions that affect daily function.
Visual Impairment
Safety risks, difficulty navigating, needing guidance outdoors.
Hearing Loss
Communication difficulties, safety supervision, isolation.
Any Other Condition
If it affects your daily life, it's worth a conversation. Call us to find out.
How much could you receive?
The Two Rates of Attendance Allowance
There are two rates, depending on how much help you need and whether you have day-time needs, night-time needs, or both.
Lower Rate
Day or Night Needs
£76.70
£3,988 per year
per week
Or you need help or supervision at night
You need help or supervision during the day
But not both day and night
Higher Rate
Day and Night Needs
£114.60
£5, 959per year
per week
And also at night
You need help or supervision during the day
Or you have a terminal diagnosis
Not Sure If You Qualify?
The eligibility rules sound straightforward, but the key is in the detail. Many people assume they won't qualify because they manage day-to-day — but Attendance Allowance is about what you need, not just what you currently receive.
The best thing to do is call us. Our eligibility check is completely free and takes around 15 minutes. We'll ask you the right questions and give you an honest answer.
Real Situations That Often Qualify
"I can get dressed but it takes me a long time and I'm in pain."
"I have to get up twice in the night to use the bathroom and it's a fall risk."
"I take a lot of medication and need reminding to take it."
"My memory isn't great and I can't be left alone safely."
"I can't cook for myself anymore because of my hands."
"I don't go out alone anymore because I'm nervous about falling."
Find Out If You Qualify — Free
One phone call. No paperwork. No obligation. We'll tell you straight away.
0800 161 5564
Calls are free from mobile and landline · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Sat 9am–1pm