Qualifying for Attendance Allowance in 2026
Qualifying for Attendance Allowance requires you to satisfy a set of straightforward criteria established by the DWP. This guide walks through each requirement in practical terms so you can assess your own eligibility.
Criterion 1: Age
You must be aged 66 or over on the date of your claim. If you are 65, you cannot yet make a new Attendance Allowance claim — but you can start preparing your application so it is ready when you turn 66.
Criterion 2: Health Condition or Disability
You must have a physical or mental health condition that affects your ability to care for yourself. There is no exhaustive list of qualifying conditions — what matters is how your condition affects your daily life and whether you need help or supervision as a result.
Practical Examples of Qualifying Conditions
- Someone with arthritis who needs help getting in and out of the bath and dressing each morning
- Someone with dementia who needs supervision throughout the day to remain safe
- Someone with COPD who cannot prepare meals due to breathlessness
- Someone with heart failure who needs help at night due to episodes of breathing difficulty
Criterion 3: Care Needs
You must need help with personal care (washing, dressing, eating, toileting, taking medication) or supervision to keep you safe. This help must be needed regularly — either during the day, at night, or both — to determine your rate.
Criterion 4: Duration
Your care needs must have existed for at least 6 consecutive months before you can claim. Terminal illness is the exception — the 6-month rule does not apply.
Criterion 5: Residency
You must be habitually resident in England, Scotland, or Wales and not be a prisoner or in full-time legal detention.
Check If You Are Qualifying for Attendance Allowance
If you meet all these criteria, you should make a claim. Many people who are qualifying for Attendance Allowance have never done so. At Elder Care, we offer a free eligibility check — contact us today.