Attendance Allowance Calculator UK 2026/27

Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates from April 2026: the lower rate of £76.70 per week and the higher rate of £114.60 per week. Over a year that is about £3,988.40 at the lower rate or £5,959.20 at the higher rate (rate × 52 weeks). It is paid by the DWP.

You get the lower rate of £76.70 a week if you need help or supervision during the day only, or during the night only. You get the higher rate of £114.60 a week if you need help both during the day and at night, or if you are terminally ill.

Attendance Allowance is for people who have reached State Pension age (66) and need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental health condition. You normally need to have needed that care for at least 6 months, unless you are terminally ill, in which case the 6-month rule does not apply.

No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, so it is not affected by your income or savings. It is based purely on your care needs. Claiming it does not reduce your other benefits and can sometimes increase means-tested benefits such as Pension Credit.

No. Attendance Allowance is tax-free — you do not pay income tax on it and it does not need to be declared as taxable income. You can also generally spend it on whatever helps you stay independent; you do not have to spend it on a carer.

Attendance Allowance is only for people aged 66 or over. If you are under State Pension age and need help with care or daily living because of a health condition or disability, you should look at Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.