The two rates
The lower rate of £76.70 a week is for people who need help or supervision during the day or at night. The higher rate of £114.60 is for people who need help both day and night, or who are terminally ill.
How this is worked out
The calculator follows the conditions on GOV.UK. You must be over State Pension age, not getting PIP, DLA or ADP, and have needed help for 6 months. Day needs or night needs alone give the lower rate. Both give the higher rate. Under the special rules for terminal illness, you get the higher rate straight away with no waiting period.
| Rate | Who gets it | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Lower | Help needed during the day or at night | £76.70 |
| Higher | Help needed day and night, or terminally ill | £114.60 |
Worked example
Margaret is 81 and has Parkinson’s. She needs help getting dressed and in and out of the bath every day, and her daughter reminds her to take her tablets. At night she sleeps through. She meets the day condition only, so the lower rate of £76.70 a week fits. If she started needing help to the toilet two or three times a night, she could ask for the higher rate.
Tips for the claim form
- Describe a bad day as well as a typical one, and say how often bad days happen.
- Include help that is needed but not given, for example because you live alone.
- Mention falls, near misses and anything you avoid doing because it is not safe.
- Ask for the form by phone and the claim is dated from the day you rang, as long as you send it back within 6 weeks.
Common questions
How much is Attendance Allowance a week in 2026/27?
£76.70 a week at the lower rate and £114.60 at the higher rate, from 6 April 2026. It is usually paid every four weeks.
Do I need a carer to get Attendance Allowance?
No. It is based on the help you need, not the help you get. You can live alone with nobody helping you and still qualify, as long as you need the help.
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Your income and savings do not affect it, it is not taxable, and it does not count as income for Pension Credit or Housing Benefit. Getting it can increase those benefits through the severe disability addition.
What counts as needing help at night?
Needing help more than once a night, or for 20 minutes or more each time, with things like going to the toilet, turning over or taking medication. Or needing someone to be awake to watch over you for a long period or several times in the night.
Can I get Attendance Allowance in Scotland?
New claims in Scotland are now for Pension Age Disability Payment, paid by Social Security Scotland at the same rates. If you already got Attendance Allowance, you are moved across automatically.
What if I go into a care home?
If the council pays towards your care home fees, Attendance Allowance usually stops after 28 days. If you pay the full fees yourself, you keep it.