Attendance Allowance and PIP: The Key Difference
Attendance Allowance and PIP (Personal Independence Payment) are both disability benefits, but they are for different age groups and you generally cannot receive both at the same time. Understanding the difference is important before you make a claim.
Who Gets Attendance Allowance vs PIP?
- Attendance Allowance is for people aged 66 and over who have a disability or health condition affecting their care needs
- PIP is for people aged 16 to 64 who have a long-term health condition or disability affecting their daily living or mobility
If you are currently receiving PIP and turn 65, you can continue receiving PIP. You do not switch to Attendance Allowance automatically. However, if you reach 66 without already receiving PIP or DLA, you would need to claim Attendance Allowance instead.
Can You Receive Attendance Allowance and PIP at the Same Time?
In most cases, you cannot receive Attendance Allowance and PIP at the same time. The two benefits overlap in purpose — both help with the costs of disability — and the DWP does not pay both simultaneously to the same person.
Exceptions: DLA and Attendance Allowance
Some older people still receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) rather than PIP. If you are already receiving DLA and are over 65, you do not need to claim Attendance Allowance — your DLA continues as long as you remain eligible.
Which Is Worth More: Attendance Allowance or PIP?
PIP has both a daily living component and a mobility component, so it can be worth more in total. However, since Attendance Allowance is the only option for new claimants over 66, the focus should be on making the strongest possible Attendance Allowance claim.
Speak to an Expert About Attendance Allowance and PIP
If you are unsure which benefit applies to you, or you want to maximise your claim, Elder Care can advise you. We specialise in Attendance Allowance for over-66s and have a strong track record of successful claims.