Attendance Allowance Explained: Support for Older Adults
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a benefit for people who are over the State Pension age that require help with personal care. Claimants must have a long-term illness or disability that can substantiate this claim. It was designed primarily as support for older adults who require assistance but may not currently receive formal care.
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance (AA)?
You may be eligible if:
- You are over State Pension age
- You have a physical or mental condition requiring care
- You need help during the day or night
To note: You do not need to have a carer in place to make a claim for Attendance Allowance.
What Does Attendance Allowance Cover?
It helps with:
- Personal care (i.e. washing, dressing, eating…)
- Supervision for safety.
- Support during the night.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two different rates depending on the level of care required. This is primarily linked to the times of day they will require assistance. For example, those who need assistance during both the day and night will receive a higher rate than those requiring support during only one of these periods.
Common Misconceptions
Many people believe:
- They must already have a carer.
- Their condition must be severe.
- They won’t qualify if they live independently.
These assumptions often prevent people from applying, even if their circumstances would make them eligible. As this is a key form of support for older adults, it is always advisable to check before writing the possibility off completely.
You can check your entitlement today through the Money Carer Benefit Calculator.