Attendance Allowance Higher Rate Criteria
The higher rate of Attendance Allowance is worth £114.60 per week in 2026. To qualify, you must meet specific higher rate criteria set by the DWP. Understanding these criteria is essential to ensuring you receive the correct amount.
Criterion 1: Day AND Night Care Needs
The primary attendance allowance higher rate criterion is that you need help with personal care or supervision both during the day AND at night. If your care needs only occur during one period, you will receive the lower rate.
What Counts as Nighttime Care Needs?
- Needing help to turn over in bed or change sleeping position
- Getting up to use the toilet and needing assistance
- Waking frequently due to pain, confusion, or distress
- Needing medication or treatment during the night
- Risk of falls when getting up at night
- Supervision needed due to dementia or confusion when waking
Criterion 2: Terminal Illness
If you have been given a prognosis of less than 12 months to live, you automatically receive the higher rate under special rules, regardless of your care needs.
How to Demonstrate Higher Rate Criteria on Your Form
Many people receive the lower rate not because they do not meet the higher rate criteria — but because their nighttime needs were not described clearly on the form. To claim the higher rate, your form must:
- Clearly describe what happens overnight
- Explain how often nighttime needs occur
- Describe what would happen without help
- Include medical evidence of nighttime symptoms if possible
Challenging a Lower Rate Decision
If you were awarded the lower rate but believe you meet the attendance allowance higher rate criteria, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of the decision letter. Elder Care can help you draft a compelling reconsideration request.
Get the Rate You Deserve
At Elder Care, we review every form to ensure nighttime care needs are fully documented. Contact us today for a free assessment and to find out if you qualify for the higher rate.