Attendance Allowance – Are You Missing Out?

If you're over State Pension age and living with a long-term illness or disability, you could be entitled to tax-free, non-means-tested financial support through Attendance Allowance.

This benefit helps cover the extra costs of personal care or supervision, allowing you to stay independent and in control of your life.

A 2023 report* found that over 1.1 million pension-age households in Great Britain could be missing out on £5.2 billion in Attendance Allowance each year. Could you or your loved ones be among those missing out?

Let Grey Matters Consultancy help you claim what you're entitled to, with expert guidance every step of the way.

What is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free, non-means-tested benefit for people who are over State Pension age and need help with daily living due to a physical or mental health condition. It provides financial support to help cover the extra costs of personal care or supervision.

There are two weekly rates available:

  • Lower rate £76.70: for those who need help during the day or at night
  • Higher rate £114.60: for those who need help both during the day and at night

You don't need to be receiving care. The benefit is based on the help you need, not the help you currently receive.

You may qualify if you:

  • Are State Pension age or over
  • Have a long-term physical or mental health condition, illness, or disability
  • Have difficulty with tasks such as:
    • Washing, dressing, or bathing
    • Using the toilet
    • Taking medication or managing treatments
    • Getting in or out of bed, or moving around safely at home or outside, including if you use a walking stick, frame, or other mobility aid
    • Communicating, understanding information, or staying safe, particularly if you're at risk of falls, confusion, or disorientation

Attendance Allowance is:

  • Not means-tested
  • Not affected by your savings, income or pension
  • Not taxable

How our service works

At Grey Matters Consultancy, we understand how daunting forms and benefit processes can be. That’s why we offer a professional form-filling service on a no award, no fee basis.

We offer a free 30-minute confidential consultation to discuss your situation.

During this session, we’ll assess whether you may be eligible for Attendance Allowance or other relevant benefits. We’ll also offer practical guidance to help you continue living independently and safely for as long as possible.

There’s no obligation to proceed. Our aim is simply to ensure you have the right information to make an informed decision.

Here’s what we provide:

  • Free 30-minute confidential consultation
  • Honest advice. We only proceed if we believe you have a genuine claim
  • Complete the 32-page AA1 form on your behalf
  • Clear, jargon-free explanations throughout
  • Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeal support included if needed, at no extra cost

Why choose Grey Matters?

We’ve helped hundreds of families across the UK secure the support they deserve, and we can help you too.

Our professional service gives you the best chance of success by ensuring your needs are fully and clearly explained.

We also offer expert support with:

Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on your family.

Grey Matters Life Navigator helping a client with an Attendance Allowance form

Get Started Today

We make applying for Attendance Allowance as simple and stress-free as possible. Fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch, usually within one business day.

Prefer to speak to someone? Call us on 01628 947066

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What Our Clients Say – Grey Matters Consultancy Reviews

We support individuals and families with expert help across a wide range of applications — including pension-age benefits, disability benefits, Blue Badge applications, and Lasting Power of Attorney. Our trusted, professional service makes complex processes easier to manage. Here’s what our clients say about their experience with Grey Matters Consultancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim Attendance Allowance if I live alone?

Yes. You do not need to have a carer or live with someone else to qualify. The benefit is based on the help you need with personal care or supervision — not on whether someone is currently providing it.

Can two people living at the same address both claim Attendance Allowance?

Yes. If both individuals are over State Pension age and each has their own care or supervision needs, they can each make a separate claim. It doesn’t matter if they live together — claims are assessed individually.

Is Attendance Allowance affected by my income, savings, or pension?

No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, not taxable, and not affected by your income or savings. You can claim it even if you receive a private pension or have significant savings.

What kind of health conditions qualify for Attendance Allowance?

There is no fixed list, but you may qualify if you have a long-term health condition or disability that affects your daily living. Common examples include:

  • Arthritis
  • Dementia
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Heart conditions
  • Stroke
  • Chronic pain
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Mental health issues such as anxiety or depression

The key factor is how your condition affects your ability to manage personal care or keep yourself safe, not just the condition itself.

Can I apply if I haven’t had a formal diagnosis?

Yes. You do not need a formal diagnosis to apply. What matters is that you’ve had care or supervision needs for at least six months due to a physical or mental health condition. Supporting information from a GP or health professional can strengthen your application.

What other benefits can I get if I’m awarded Attendance Allowance?

Receiving Attendance Allowance may increase your entitlement to other benefits, especially if you’re on a low income or live alone. It can also make it easier to access certain types of support.

Here are some examples of what you may be able to claim:

  • Pension Credit – You may qualify for extra help through Pension Credit, including a Severe Disability Premium, depending on your circumstances.
  • Council Tax Reduction – You may get money off your Council Tax, especially if you live alone or with someone who also qualifies for a discount.
  • Housing Benefit – If you rent your home, your entitlement may increase.
  • Blue Badge – Attendance Allowance can strengthen your application for a disabled parking permit.
  • Carer’s Allowance (for someone who looks after you) – If someone cares for you for at least 35 hours per week, they may be able to claim this.
  • Winter Fuel Help – You may qualify for schemes such as Cold Weather Payments or the Warm Home Discount, depending on other benefits and your supplier.
  • Local Support – Some councils and charities offer additional support such as help with utilities, transport, or home safety adaptations.

These extra entitlements aren’t guaranteed with AA but receiving it often makes you more likely to qualify.

What is the fast-track process for terminal illness?

If your doctor or consultant believes you may be in the final year of life, they can complete an SR1 form. This allows you to apply under the Special Rules, which fast-track the claim and usually result in immediate award of the higher rate — without needing to wait six months or complete the usual assessment.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most standard Attendance Allowance claims are processed within 6 to 12 weeks, but this can vary depending on workload at the DWP. Claims made under Special Rules are processed more quickly.

What happens if my claim is refused?

If your application is unsuccessful, we can help you request a Mandatory Reconsideration. If necessary, we’ll support you through an appeal — this is all included in our fixed fee under our no win, no fee service.

Why should I pay Grey Matters Consultancy to help with my Attendance Allowance claim?

Attendance Allowance applications can be complex, and many genuine claims are turned down due to forms being incomplete, inconsistent, or unclear. At Grey Matters Consultancy, we know exactly how to present your case to reflect your real day-to-day needs.

Here’s why people choose us:

  • We understand what the DWP looks for and how to describe your care needs effectively
  • We take care of the whole process — from the initial claim through to mandatory reconsideration or appeal if needed
  • We save you the time, stress, and uncertainty of navigating it alone
  • We work on a no win, no fee basis — you only pay if your claim is successful

We only take on claims we believe have a genuine chance of success, and our clients value the reassurance of expert support from start to finish.

The Government do not charge for applying for Attendance Allowance; our fee covers the form-filling service, support and advice.

*People of pension age may be missing out on £5.2 billion - policyinpractice.co.uk/blog/people-of-pension-age-may-be-missing-out-on-5-2-billion/