From April 2026, it is £76.70 a week for help needed by day or by night, or £114.60 a week for help needed day and night (or if nearing the end of life). Both rates are tax-free.
The two rates
Which rate is paid depends on when help is needed, not on the illness or disability itself.
What each rate is for
The lower rate is for help or supervision needed by day, or by night, but not both.
The higher rate is for help or supervision needed both day and night. Under the special rules, for someone nearing the end of life, the higher rate is paid.
How it's paid
Attendance Allowance is usually paid every 4 weeks into a bank, building society or credit union account.
Tax-free and not means-tested
What someone earns or has in savings does not affect Attendance Allowance. There is no savings limit.
That means it is paid in full, whatever else the person has coming in or put by.
How an award can affect other help
- Someone who cares for them may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK
- If they get Pension Credit, it may include extra money for severe disability. Pension Credit on GOV.UK
- If they get Housing Benefit, it may go up. Housing Benefit on GOV.UK
- Their Council Tax bill may be reduced. Council Tax Reduction on GOV.UK
Each depends on their own rules. DWP or the local council decides.
If care needs change
If care needs get worse, they can ask for the award to be looked at again, for example to move from the lower rate to the higher rate. After a change is reported, the award may go up or down.
What to do next
Ring 0800 731 0122 and ask for the claim form. The claim can start from the date of the call, if the form is returned within 6 weeks.
You can apply to DWP directly, and Citizens Advice can help at no cost.
Questions people ask
Is Attendance Allowance paid weekly or every 4 weeks?
Attendance Allowance is usually paid every 4 weeks into a bank, building society or credit union account. The rate is described as a weekly amount, but that's just how it's worked out – not how often it lands in the account.
Can getting Attendance Allowance increase other benefits?
Sometimes. It may add extra to Pension Credit, increase Housing Benefit or reduce a Council Tax bill, and a carer may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. Each has its own rules, none of it is automatic, and DWP or the council decides.
Does the rate change if care needs get worse?
If care needs get worse, they can ask for the award to be looked at again, for example to move from the lower rate to the higher rate. That's how someone on the lower rate can later move up to the higher rate.
Is Attendance Allowance means-tested?
No. Savings, income and pensions don't affect it at all – see our guide on whether it's means-tested for the full picture.
Sources
Last checked 30 September 2026 against the sources below.
- Attendance Allowance rates, GOV.UK
- Attendance Allowance rates, MoneySavingExpert
- The claim form (AA1), page 2.
- Carer's Allowance on GOV.UK
- Pension Credit on GOV.UK
- Housing Benefit on GOV.UK
- Council Tax Reduction on GOV.UK
- Carer's Allowance (Carers UK)
- Carer's Allowance (GOV.UK)
- How to have your benefits paid, GOV.UK
- Report a change in circumstances, GOV.UK
- Tax-free and taxable state benefits, GOV.UK