If you’re a state pensioner with a health condition or disability requiring regular care or supervision, you might be eligible to receive up to £5,740 annually via Attendance Allowance.
Meeting the six-month rule means many pensioners could see an extra ~£1,800 per year—all thanks to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What Is Attendance Allowance & Who Receives It?
Attendance Allowance is a tax‑free benefit for those of State Pension age requiring extra help due to mental or physical health conditions. This support comes in two weekly rates:
- Lower rate: £73.90/week → £3,842.80/year
- Higher rate: £100.40/week → £5,740.80/year
You qualify if you’ve needed help or supervision—day, night, or both—for at least six months, known as the “six‑month rule”.
Attendance Allowance Overview
| Allowance Rate | Weekly | Annual | Care Need Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower | £73.90 | £3,842.80 | Frequent help/supervision day or night |
| Higher | £100.40 | £5,740.80 | Help/supervision needed both day and night |
Meeting the six‑month rule is essential—or applying under special “end‑of‑life” rules if health is terminal.
The Six‑Month Rule: Key Qualification Criteria
You must:
- Be of State Pension age,
- Have a physical or mental condition that requires help with daily tasks or supervision,
- Need help most days for six months or more,
- Be habitually resident in Great Britain.
You can start the claim before six months pass, but payments begin only once the period is met.
Special Case: End-of-Life Rules
If you’re terminally ill (life expectancy ≤12 months), you can get the higher rate immediately, bypassing the six‑month wait. A medical professional’s form (SR1) is all that’s required for fast-tracked approval.
How Does the £1,800 Figure Work?
Meeting the six‑month rule automatically entitles you to the allowance for the full year. Here’s how that translates financially:
- Extras up to £1,800/year if on the lower rate (£3,842.80/year),
- Even more if qualifying for the higher rate (£5,740.80/year).
Who’s Eligible vs Who Isn’t
You Qualify If You:
- Are at or above State Pension age,
- Need daily care or supervision for at least six months.
You’ll Be ineligible if You:
- Are under State Pension age,
- Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP),
- Already live in a care home funded by your local authority,
- Don’t satisfy the presence/residence rules.
How to Claim & Payment Timeline
- Gather documents: National Insurance number, doctor’s info, medication list.
- Apply online or via form AA1, including date your six‑month period began.
- DWP processes your claim—you’ll receive a decision within ~4 weeks.
- Payments: Monthly or 4-weekly, credited directly to your bank or via PayPoint.
Payments begin once the six-month rule is met, so even if you apply early, the allowance starts later.
What the Money Can Be Used For
You can spend Attendance Allowance on anything that improves your quality of life, such as:
- Home adaptations (ramps, grab rails),
- Extra personal care,
- Transport services,
- Comfort items,
- Social activities,
- Medical supplies.
Expert Guidance & Pensioners’ Views
Financial advisers often suggest combining the additional income with high-interest savings accounts or fixed-rate bonds to maximise returns. However, some pensioners worry about how additional income might impact tax or existing benefits.
For state pensioners meeting the six‑month rule, Attendance Allowance offers a valuable financial boost—up to ~£1,800 extra per year, and as much as £5,740 for high-level needs. No diagnostic certificate is required—just consistent care needs.
Whether you need personal help, supervision, or both, this tax-free support can significantly relieve the cost and challenges of everyday life. If you think you qualify, apply early to avoid missing out on this essential support.
FAQs
Can I apply before reaching the six-month mark?
Yes. You can submit your claim early, but payments only begin once you’ve reached six months of needing care or supervision.
What if I need help both during the day and night?
You qualify for the higher rate (£100.40/week) if you need both day and night assistance or are terminally ill.
Does Attendance Allowance affect my other benefits?
No—it won’t reduce your State Pension or other means-tested benefits, and may even increase entitlements like Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.