Are you or a loved one over State Pension age dealing with a disability or health condition that makes daily tasks challenging? Attendance Allowance provides essential tax-free financial support to help cover extra costs for personal care—whether it's bathing, dressing, eating, or needing supervision for safety.
As of March 2026, Attendance Allowance rates remain at the levels set from April 2025, but a confirmed increase is coming in April 2026. In this guide, we break down the current and upcoming rates, what they mean for your weekly or annual support, and how to maximise your claim with expert help.
At Elder Care, we've helped thousands secure the right amount—often the higher rate—with our no win no fee form-filling service. Call 01228 937387 or check eligibility online in under 60 seconds.
Current Attendance Allowance Rates (April 2025 – March 2026)
Attendance Allowance is paid at two weekly rates, depending on the level of help or supervision you need due to your condition. These rates apply right now in March 2026:
- Lower Rate: £73.90 per week — for those who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night
- Higher Rate: £110.40 per week — for those who need help or supervision both day and night, or if terminally ill (special rules apply)
Payments are usually made every 4 weeks directly into your bank account. Lower rate equals about £295.60 every 4 weeks; higher rate equals about £441.60 every 4 weeks.
It's non-means-tested — your income, savings, or other benefits don't affect eligibility.
Many claimants receive backdated payments from the date they first apply, potentially adding thousands in arrears.
Annual equivalent (approximate): Lower rate around £3,843 per year. Higher rate around £5,741 per year.
Our clients often secure an average of £5,644 annually, especially at the higher rate.
Upcoming Attendance Allowance Rates from April 2026
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a 3.8% increase to most benefits from April 2026, in line with inflation adjustments. This means:
- Lower Rate: rises from £73.90 to £76.70 (an increase of £2.80 per week)
- Higher Rate: rises from £110.40 to £114.60 (an increase of £4.20 per week)
If you're already claiming, your payments will automatically rise to the new amounts from April without needing to reapply. New claims starting now will use the current rates initially, then upgrade in April.
Why the increase matters: Even small weekly rises add up — the higher rate boost alone means an extra £218+ per year.
How the Rates Are Decided and What Influences Your Amount
The DWP assesses your needs based on how your disability or health condition affects personal care (not mobility). Key factors include:
- Daytime needs: Help with washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet, etc.
- Nighttime needs: Frequent waking for help or constant supervision to prevent danger.
- Bad days: Include variability — don't just describe good days.
- Terminally ill: Automatic higher rate and faster processing under special rules.
Tip: Detailed, honest descriptions in the form boost chances of the higher rate. Many miss out by understating needs.
Can Attendance Allowance Unlock More Support?
Yes! Getting Attendance Allowance (especially the higher rate) can increase other benefits:
- Extra Pension Credit
- Higher Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Reduction
- Potential eligibility for your carer to claim Carer's Allowance
Don't miss these knock-on effects — our experts check everything during your claim.
Why Choose Elder Care for Your Attendance Allowance Claim?
The application form is detailed and tricky — many genuine claims get lower rates or are rejected due to incomplete answers. Our no win no fee service changes that:
- 95% approval rate* for accepted cases
- Full form completion, evidence gathering, and DWP liaison
- Personalised guidance to highlight your needs accurately
- £430 one-off fee — only if successful (often paid from backdated money)
- Fast processing: Many claims move quickly, with typical turnaround in weeks
Trusted testimonials:
"Elder Care made the process simple and reassuring. Now receiving the higher rate — it's made a real difference." – Margaret T., Birmingham
"Rejected twice before. Elder Care got me approved quickly." – Robert W., Manchester
Ready to check if you qualify? It takes under 2 minutes — no obligation.