Can I claim Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.

There’s a different way to claim if you’re nearing the end of life (for example, because you have a life-limiting illness).

It’s paid at 2 different rates, and how much you get depends on the level of care that you need because of your disability or health condition.

Payment amounts

You could get £73.90 or £110.40 a week to help with personal support if both of the following apply:

You have a physical disability, a mental disability, or a health condition
You’re State Pension age or older

It does not cover mobility needs.

You could get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction if you get Attendance Allowance.

You do not have to have someone caring for you in order to claim.

If you do have a carer, they could get Carer’s Allowance if you have substantial caring needs.

Claiming Attendance Allowance if you’re nearing the end of life

If you’re nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness), you might be able to get Attendance Allowance more quickly and at a higher rate.

This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.

You may also be able to get other benefits if you’re nearing the end of life.

Eligibility

You’re eligible if:

You’ve reached State Pension age
Your doctor or medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live

It can be difficult to predict how long someone might live. If a medical professional has not talked to you about this, you can still ask them to support your claim under the special rules for end-of-life.

What you’ll get

You’ll get the higher rate of £110.40 per week.

You could also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction.

How to claim

You can claim for yourself, or someone else can make a claim for you (they do not need your permission).

You need to:

Ask a medical professional for form SR1 – they’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post

You will not need to go to a face-to-face assessment.

Apply online

To apply, you’ll need:

Your National Insurance number
Your address and contact details
Details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
Details of your GP surgery or medical centre
Details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one

Apply by post

You can either:

Print and send the Attendance Allowance claim form
Contact the helpline to request a claim form

Attendance Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Send the completed claim form to:
Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance

After you apply

After you send your claim, you’ll be contacted by phone or sent a letter within 3 weeks to explain when you can expect a decision.

Once a decision is made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome.

When will you be paid

If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, the decision letter will tell you when you’ll get your first payment.
If you apply online, your claim will start on the date you make your claim.
If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date DWP receives it.
If you call the helpline to get a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within 6 weeks).

If you already get Attendance Allowance

Contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if you already get Attendance Allowance and a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live.

Live-in carer reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Lance Mason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had no idea that my Mum had only two weeks to live when Featherbed came to the rescue!  They provided us with the most wonderful carer, Lucy, who stayed with Mum for long periods of time and gave amazing support to us as family.  She went way "above and beyond" and became a loved member of the family.  I can thoroughly recommend Featherbed - they are a super team!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nick Winch 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed provided live-in care for my mother for about 15 months before she needed to go into a nursing home. The one problem we had was addressed quickly and effectively, and with that one exception, the carers Featherbed provided were superb - very caring and helpful, totally honest and understanding. They all developed a really good bond with my mother, who also valued their care.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lynne Griffiths 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have been absolutely delighted with the kindness, professionalism and care shown towards our dad by his carer, Tendei Sithole, (and indeed by Immaculata and Emma-his relief carers who have also been excellent) Tendei has made it possible for him to enjoy his life again and if we could give her 6 stars we would. She has been simply a godsend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abbey Pearson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can not recommend this company highly enough. Wonderful carers who have so much time, compassion, friendship and patience for my Mum. Featherbed is a company who never lets us down, and are always on hand. We'd be lost without you, thanks for all you do. X
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Isobel Wyatt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed provided waking nights care for my 99 year old father during the last few weeks of his life, which were very challenging. His carer, Julia, was fantastic and I can honestly say that we couldn't have coped without her. This wonderful care allowed my father to be able to stay in his own home which had always been his wish. Thank you so much Julia and Featherbed.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Helen F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed have found us the most wonderful live-in carer for our 85 year old mum who has dementia. The relief carers are also excellent.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sylvia Mupaya 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed homecare is an agency I could refer to both Client and Carers as it is well recognised for it's good services rendered.  They are there for both parties.  I can go on and on and on. It deserves over 5stars
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   M D 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed have been absolutely amazing. They provided 24 hour care for my mom who is in her 90's for over a year in her own home. The care and efficiency was second to none. They were always there with advice and always there to listen. I think you'd be hard pushed to find an Agency as remarkable as Featherbed. Thanks to all the staff at Featherbed and Carers who 'Cared' for my mom. 💗
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Josephine Payne 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have used them for many years and would not use anyone else .
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Susan Reid 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Featherbed Homecare allowed my 90yr old  parents to live together in their home for over 2yrs. Splitting them up after 60yrs of happy marriage would have been unthinkable.  Despite initial reservations my parents quickly accepted live in care and much enjoyed having company in the house. Much credit is due to the carers who were all lovely and very caring . I have no hesitation in recommending Featherbed