Money Saving Expert (MSE) has issued a warning to state pensioners aged 66 and over, urging them not to pay companies for help with Attendance Allowance claims when free support is available. The warning follows a case where one woman was charged £1,033 for a service she could have done for free.
Woman Charged £1,033 for Claim Help
The woman, an MSE fan, was awarded £110 per week after a company submitted her Attendance Allowance claim. However, she was then billed £1,033 for the service, which amounts to 18% of what she could receive from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit in her first year.
MSE urged people to check free sources of help before using a claims company. Organisations including Age UK, Citizens Advice, Independent Age, Scope and Turn2us all offer support free of charge. Depending on where you live, they can help with completing forms, providing benefits advice, and finding local support.
Who is Eligible for Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is available to people over state pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a long-term illness or disability. This can include conditions such as learning difficulties, sight or hearing impairments, mobility issues like arthritis, or mental health conditions such as dementia.
Applicants must show they need assistance with personal care tasks, such as washing, dressing, eating and drinking, or require supervision for safety, either during the day or night. They must also have needed help for at least six months. However, those who are terminally ill can claim the benefit immediately.
A formal diagnosis is not required to apply; as long as someone has experienced difficulties for six months due to their condition, they can claim. However, it is important to note that those already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or the care component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) are not eligible for Attendance Allowance.
The benefit is not means-tested, so current savings or income won’t affect the claim, nor will it affect other benefits received. Receiving it can also unlock other support, such as a Blue Badge.
Attendance Allowance Rates 2026/27
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates: the lower rate and the higher rate. The payment rate people qualify for is based on how much help is needed, not on any current help they do or don’t receive.
The lower rate is £76.70 per week, and people may qualify for it if they need frequent help or supervision during the day or at night. The higher rate is £114.60 per week, and people may qualify for it if they need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said they’re nearing the end of their life. This means that those entitled to the higher rate will receive around £458.40 per month, or £5,500 per year.
How to Claim Attendance Allowance
People can claim Attendance Allowance online or by post. To claim by post, people must complete a form detailing the help they need and the assistance they do not need. To get a form, people can either call the helpline on 0800 731 0122 or download it from the Government website.
