Can You Claim Attendance Allowance in a Care Home?
Yes — you can claim Attendance Allowance in a care home, but there are important rules to understand. Whether you continue to receive Attendance Allowance while in a care home depends on who is paying for your care.
The Key Rule: Who Pays for Your Care?
- If you are paying all your own care home fees: You can continue to receive Attendance Allowance in a care home. Your Attendance Allowance award continues as normal.
- If the local authority or NHS is paying (fully or partly) for your care: Your Attendance Allowance will usually stop after 28 days in the care home, because the state is funding your care.
What If You Have a Partner?
If your partner continues to live at your previous home, special rules may apply. It is important to notify the DWP of any change in your living circumstances.
Claiming Attendance Allowance Before Moving Into a Care Home
If you are considering moving into a care home but have not yet claimed Attendance Allowance, it is worth making your claim before the move. If you are paying your own fees, you may be able to receive Attendance Allowance in the care home and use it to help offset the cost of care.
Attendance Allowance and Nursing Care Costs
If you receive NHS-funded nursing care (NHS Continuing Healthcare), your Attendance Allowance will stop because the NHS is meeting your care needs. However, if you are in a care home but paying your own fees, you remain entitled to Attendance Allowance.
Reporting a Move to a Care Home to the DWP
If you move into a care home, you must notify the DWP. Failure to do so is classed as benefit fraud. Contact the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 to report the change.
Get Specialist Advice
The rules around Attendance Allowance in a care home can be complex. Elder Care can advise you on your specific situation and help you maximise your entitlements before and after any move into residential care.