What Is Your Attendance Allowance Entitlement?
Attendance Allowance entitlement refers to your right to receive the benefit based on meeting the eligibility criteria. If you are aged 66 or over and have a disability or health condition that affects your care needs, you may have an Attendance Allowance entitlement that you have never yet claimed.
Estimated Gap in Attendance Allowance Claims
Research suggests that hundreds of thousands of people who are entitled to Attendance Allowance have never claimed it. The most common reasons include:
- Not knowing the benefit exists
- Believing their condition is not severe enough
- Thinking their income or savings disqualify them (it is not means tested)
- Concerns about the paperwork
How Far Back Can Attendance Allowance Be Backdated?
Generally, Attendance Allowance cannot be backdated more than a few days. Your entitlement starts from the date you first contact the DWP to request the form — which is why it is important to call as soon as you think you may qualify. Waiting costs you money.
What Is Your Attendance Allowance Entitlement Worth?
Based on 2026 rates, your Attendance Allowance entitlement could be:
- Lower rate: £76.70/week (£3,988 per year)
- Higher rate: £114.60/week (£5,959 per year)
With additional benefits such as Pension Credit uplift and Council Tax Reduction, the total annual value can exceed £11,000.
Do Not Delay Claiming Your Entitlement
Every week you delay claiming Attendance Allowance is a week of entitlement you lose forever. If you think you or a loved one may have an Attendance Allowance entitlement, contact Elder Care today for a free, no-obligation eligibility assessment.