The Department for Work and Pensions has increased Attendance Allowance payments from April 2026, giving state pensioners an extra £218.40 per year. The higher weekly rate has risen from £110.40 to £114.60, while the lower rate remains at £76.70 per week.
Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is available to anyone who has reached state pension age and requires help with personal care due to a disability or illness. The benefit is not means-tested and does not depend on income or savings. According to Age UK, claiming Attendance Allowance can also help people qualify for other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction.
The lower rate of £76.70 per week is for those who need help during the day OR at night. The higher rate of £114.60 per week is for those who need help during the day AND night, or who are terminally ill. The increase of £4.20 per week (£218.40 per year) applies to the higher rate from April 2026.
Eligibility Conditions
To claim, you must have a disability or physical or mental illness, including sight or hearing impairments and conditions such as dementia. You must have needed help with personal care for at least six months, unless you are terminally ill, in which case you can claim immediately.
Age UK states: "The money you receive isn't taxable or means-tested – so your savings or income won't affect your claim. Claiming also won't affect any other benefits you receive. In fact, it can help you get other benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or council tax reduction."
Martin Lewis Explains the Legal Definition of Help
On The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on ITV1, Martin Lewis explained a legal precedent from 1981 that defines the type of help qualifying for Attendance Allowance. He said: "This is help with bodily functions including breathing, hearing, seeing, eating, drinking, walking, sitting, sleeping, getting in or out of bed, dressing, undressing, eliminating waste products and the like."
Lewis listed four conditions likely to qualify: Parkinson's disease, physical disabilities, dementia, and terminal illness. He added: "You can apply on someone else's behalf as long as they are capable of understanding or you can sign it for them if you have Power of Attorney."
