Please note that this website has a UK government accesskeys system.
You may be able to get Attendance Allowance if you are aged 65 or over and need help with personal care or supervision to keep you safe.
Already claiming Attendance Allowance and want to report a change in your circumstances - find out more
To get Attendance Allowance, your disability must be severe enough for you to need any of the following:
There are two rates of Attendance Allowance depending on how your disability affects you:
You can get Attendance Allowance even if no one is actually giving you the care you need - even if you live alone.
If you have a progressive disease and are not reasonably expected to live for more than another six months, there are special rules to help you get Attendance Allowance more quickly and easily. You can get the higher rate immediately, whatever your care needs are, without waiting until you have needed help for six months.
You can make a claim for someone under the special rules without them knowing or without their permission. If they satisfy the relevant conditions, they will get a letter saying that they have been awarded Attendance Allowance, but special rules will not be mentioned.
To claim under these special rules, complete an Attendance Allowance claim form and get a separate completed form DS1500 from your doctor, specialist or consultant to send with it.
You can find out more about caring for someone who is terminally ill in the 'caring for someone' section.
There are conditions about your circumstances and where you live, which you need to meet to get Attendance Allowance.