Plain answer
Can Attendance Allowance be backdated?
Checked 21 September 2026 against GOV.UK · Sources at the bottom
Short answer
No. Attendance Allowance cannot be backdated before the date of the claim - which is why the phone call date matters.
Why the call date matters
The claim can start from the date of the call, if the form is returned within 6 weeks. That is the earliest the award can start from - there is no way to backdate it further.
Carer's Allowance is different
Carer's Allowance can be backdated 3 months, or to the start of the Attendance Allowance award if it is claimed within 3 months of that award.
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Sources, last checked 21 September 2026 against GOV.UK
Backdating rules, CPAG · How to claim Attendance Allowance, GOV.UK
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