Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability, illness or health condition.

It is based on the care or supervision you need, rather than simply the name of your medical condition. You do not have to be receiving professional care to qualify.

The amount you receive depends on the level of help you need.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who have care or supervision needs because of a physical or mental disability or health condition.

It can help with the additional costs associated with needing care or supervision. You do not have to spend the money specifically on a carer or care service.

For example, someone might use it towards help around the home, transport, household costs or equipment that helps them manage everyday life.

Attendance Allowance is separate from a care needs assessment. A care needs assessment looks at what care and support a person may need, while Attendance Allowance is a benefit with its own eligibility rules.

How Much Is Attendance Allowance?

There are two Attendance Allowance rates for 2026/27.

Rate	Weekly amount	When it may apply
Lower rate	£76.70	You need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night
Higher rate	£114.60	You need help or supervision during both the day and night, or you are nearing the end of life under the relevant rules

Attendance Allowance is normally paid weekly, although payments can be made at different intervals depending on the arrangement.

The rates can change, so check the latest GOV.UK information before relying on figures when making a claim.

Is Attendance Allowance Means-Tested?

No. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested.

This means your income and savings do not determine whether you can receive the benefit.

However, receiving Attendance Allowance does not mean that every other benefit or care cost will automatically be covered. Other benefits and care funding arrangements have their own rules.

If you are considering how different sources of funding may affect care costs, it is important to look at the wider picture rather than treating Attendance Allowance as a payment specifically for care-home fees.

Who Can Claim Attendance Allowance?

You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if:

• You have reached State Pension age.
• You have a physical or mental disability, illness or health condition.
• You need help with personal care or supervision to stay safe.
• You have needed this help for at least six months, unless special rules for people nearing the end of life apply.
• You meet the other eligibility conditions set by the Department for Work and Pensions.

You do not qualify simply because you have a particular diagnosis.

Two people with the same condition could have different care needs, meaning one may qualify while the other may not.

The important question is how your condition affects your everyday life and the help or supervision you need.

What Medical Conditions Qualify for Attendance Allowance?

There is no fixed list of medical conditions that automatically qualifies someone for Attendance Allowance.

The assessment focuses on your care and supervision needs.

For example, you may need help with:

• Washing or bathing
• Getting dressed
• Eating or drinking
• Using the toilet
• Taking medication
• Moving around safely
• Communicating
• Managing personal care
• Staying safe because of confusion or another health condition

You may also need supervision because there is a risk that you could harm yourself or someone else, become confused or be unable to manage safely without another person nearby.

It is the help or supervision you need that matters, rather than whether someone is currently providing all of that help.

What Are Daytime and Night-Time Care Needs?

Your care needs can occur during the day, at night or at both times.

Daytime care needs

You may have daytime care needs if you frequently need help with personal care or require regular supervision to stay safe.

This could include help with washing, dressing, eating, using the toilet or moving around safely.

Night-time care needs

Night-time needs can include requiring frequent or prolonged help during the night or needing someone to stay awake or check on you regularly.

The level of help required can affect which rate of Attendance Allowance you may receive.

How Do You Claim Attendance Allowance?

You normally need to complete an Attendance Allowance claim form.

When completing the form, focus on what you struggle with and what help or supervision you need, rather than simply listing your medical conditions.

For example, instead of writing that you have arthritis, explain whether it means you need help getting dressed, bathing, using the toilet or moving around your home.

It can help to make notes before completing the form, including:

• What personal care tasks you need help with
• How often you need help
• Whether you need supervision
• What happens on difficult days
• What help you need during the night
• Whether your needs vary from day to day
• Any safety concerns
• How your condition affects your normal routine

You can also provide relevant supporting information where appropriate.

The official GOV.UK guidance explains how to obtain and submit an Attendance Allowance claim.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your claim, the Department for Work and Pensions may contact you if it needs more information.

In some cases, you may be asked to attend an assessment or provide further evidence about your needs.

You will receive a decision explaining whether you qualify, the rate you will receive and when the award starts.

If your circumstances later change, you should report the change because it could affect the rate you receive.

If you disagree with a decision, there are processes available for challenging it.

Is Attendance Allowance Taxable?

No. Attendance Allowance is not taxable.

It is also not means-tested, so your income and savings do not normally affect your entitlement.

However, receiving Attendance Allowance can sometimes affect entitlement to other forms of support or help you qualify for additional amounts, so it is worth checking your wider circumstances rather than looking at the benefit in isolation.

What Can Attendance Allowance Be Used For?

There is no requirement to spend Attendance Allowance specifically on a professional carer.

The money can be used according to your own circumstances and needs.

For example, someone may choose to use it towards:

• Help around the home
• Transport costs
• Equipment
• Meal deliveries
• Household expenses
• Other costs associated with managing a disability or health condition

The important distinction is that Attendance Allowance is a benefit, not a care package. Receiving it does not automatically arrange care for you.

If you need help understanding what care and support someone may require, a separate care needs assessment may be appropriate.

Landona House Care Group has a guide explaining care needs assessments and what they can consider when someone’s ability to manage everyday life changes.

Does Attendance Allowance Pay for Care Home Fees?

Attendance Allowance can form part of someone’s wider financial circumstances when they are planning for care, but it should not be treated as a guarantee that care-home fees will be covered.

Care funding depends on the person’s circumstances, the type of care required and the relevant funding rules.

If you are considering a care home, it is useful to understand the difference between care needs and care funding. A care needs assessment looks at what support someone requires, while a financial assessment looks at how care may be paid for.

Landona’s guide to care home funding explains the main areas families may need to consider when looking at care costs in England.

Common Attendance Allowance Pitfalls

One of the biggest mistakes when applying is focusing only on the diagnosis rather than explaining the actual help or supervision required.

Other common problems include:

• Underestimating how much help is needed
• Describing only your better days
• Leaving out night-time needs
• Giving general descriptions instead of practical examples
• Assuming you cannot claim because someone else already helps you
• Assuming you need to employ a carer to qualify
• Treating the benefit as a payment that must be spent on professional care

Your application should give an accurate picture of your typical care and supervision needs.

The Important Difference Between the Benefit and Your Care Needs

Attendance Allowance can provide useful financial support for people who have qualifying care or supervision needs, but it is only one part of planning for care.

If someone’s needs are increasing, the more important question may be what support they now require to remain safe, independent and well supported.

That could mean reviewing support at home, arranging additional help or considering residential or nursing care where appropriate.

The right option depends on the person’s individual needs. Attendance Allowance itself does not determine which type of care someone should receive.

If you regularly look after someone who needs help because of illness, disability or another health condition, you may be entitled to support as a carer. A carer’s assessment looks at how your caring responsibilities affect your own life and what support could help.

You do not have to be a professional carer or live with the person you support to be considered a carer.

What Is a Carer’s Assessment?

A carer’s assessment is an assessment of your needs as someone providing unpaid care. It looks at the practical and personal impact of caring, including whether your responsibilities are affecting your health, work, relationships, sleep or ability to manage everyday life.

The assessment is usually arranged through your local council’s adult social care service.

A carers needs assessment is not about judging whether you are doing enough. It is an opportunity to explain what caring is like for you and identify support that could make your situation more manageable.

Check: Care Needs Assessment

Who Is Considered a Carer?

You may be a carer if you regularly provide unpaid help to a partner, parent, relative, friend or another person who needs support.

This could include:

• Helping someone with personal care or everyday tasks
• Preparing meals or helping with medication
• Taking someone to appointments
• Providing regular supervision or emotional support
• Helping someone manage because of dementia, illness or disability

You may still be a carer even if other family members, friends or professional care workers also provide support.

If you are unsure whether the term applies to you, it is worth asking your local council about a carer’s assessment rather than assuming you are not eligible.

Also Check: Types of Dementia

How Do I Get a Carer’s Assessment?

In England, you can contact your local council’s adult social care service and ask for a carer’s assessment.

You can explain that you provide unpaid care and would like an assessment of your own support needs.

Before the assessment, it can help to think about how caring affects your normal routine. You do not need to wait until you are struggling to ask for support.

Can I Have Someone With Me?

You can ask to have someone with you during the assessment if you would find that helpful. This could make it easier to explain your circumstances or discuss issues that you find difficult to raise on your own.

What Should I Prepare for a Carer’s Assessment?

There is no need to prepare a perfect account of everything you do. Instead, think about what has changed in your own life because of your caring responsibilities.

Consider:

• Are you getting enough sleep?
• Is your physical or mental wellbeing being affected?
• Are you able to work or study as you want?
• Can you maintain relationships and family commitments?
• Do you have enough time for yourself?
• Are you able to see friends or continue hobbies?
• Are the person’s care needs increasing?
• Do you feel able to continue providing the same level of care?

It can also help to write down the tasks you regularly carry out. This gives you a clearer picture of the amount of care you are providing.

What Happens During a Carer’s Assessment?

During a carer’s assessment, you will have the opportunity to explain what care you provide and how it affects your life.

The assessment may consider your health, daily routine, work or education, relationships, social activities and ability to continue caring.

You can also discuss what would make your situation easier.

The outcome should help identify whether you need additional information, services or other forms of support.

Check: How to Pay for a Care Home in the UK

What Is the Difference Between a Carer’s Assessment and a Care Needs Assessment?

A carer’s assessment and a care needs assessment look at two different people.

Carer’s assessment	Care needs assessment
Looks at the needs of the unpaid carer	Looks at the needs of the person receiving care
Considers how caring affects your life	Considers what care and support the person needs
Can identify support for the carer	Can identify care and support for the individual
Can help with planning your future caring role	Can help determine appropriate care arrangements

If the person you care for also needs additional support, they may benefit from their own care needs assessment.

Landona House Care Group has previously covered care needs assessments in more detail, including how they help identify the level and type of care an individual may require. Care Needs Assessment

The two assessments can therefore complement each other rather than replacing one another.

What Are the Possible Outcomes of a Carer’s Assessment?

The outcome depends on your circumstances and the support available through your local authority.

Depending on the assessment, you may receive information or help relating to:

• respite or short-break care
• equipment or practical support
• local carer support groups
• information and advice
• support with your caring role
• a support plan
• a personal budget or direct payment where applicable

An assessment does not automatically mean you will receive a particular service or payment. Support depends on your individual needs, eligibility and local arrangements.

Can a Carer’s Assessment Lead to Financial Support?

It can identify financial or practical support that may be relevant to your circumstances, but a carer’s assessment does not automatically result in a payment.

Some forms of financial support for carers have separate eligibility requirements. If money is becoming a concern, mention this during the assessment and ask what support or benefits you may be able to apply for.

It is important to distinguish between support identified through a carer’s assessment and benefits that have their own application and eligibility rules.

What If Caring Becomes Too Much?

Caring arrangements can change as someone’s condition or care needs change.

You may need to ask for further support if:

• your own health is suffering
• you are regularly losing sleep
• the person’s care needs have increased
• you are struggling to work or manage family responsibilities
• you no longer have time away from caring
• you are finding personal care increasingly difficult
• you are worried about whether the current arrangement is safe or sustainable

You do not have to wait until you reach breaking point before asking for help.

If the person you care for needs more support than you can reasonably provide, their care needs may also need to be reassessed. This could include considering additional home care, respite care or a suitable care home depending on their circumstances.

When Should You Have Another Carer’s Assessment?

Your circumstances are not fixed, so your support needs can change too.

It may be appropriate to ask about another assessment when the person’s condition changes, your caring responsibilities increase, your own health changes or existing support is no longer enough.

A carer’s assessment should be about your situation as it is now, not simply what it was when you first became a carer.

End of life care supports a person during the later stages of their life, helping them remain as comfortable, dignified and involved in decisions about their care as possible. It can include support with physical symptoms, personal care, emotional wellbeing and practical needs, as well as support for family members and carers.

End of life care can take place in different settings, including a care home, at home, in a hospice or in hospital. The right setting depends on the person’s condition, wishes, care needs and the support available.

It is also closely connected with palliative care, but the two terms do not mean exactly the same thing.

What Is End of Life Care?

End of life care is care and support for people who are approaching the end of their life. In the UK, this can include people who are likely to be in the last 12 months of life, although predicting exactly how long someone has left is not always possible.

The purpose is not simply to treat a person’s medical condition. Good end of life care considers the whole person and aims to help them live as well as possible for as long as possible, while maintaining comfort, dignity and choice.

Depending on the person’s circumstances, end of life care may involve:

• managing pain and other symptoms
• help with washing, dressing, eating and other personal care
• emotional and psychological support
• practical support
• maintaining familiar routines where possible
• discussing the person’s wishes and preferences
• involving family members and carers in care planning
• coordinating care between different health and social care professionals

The level of support can change as a person’s condition changes. Someone may need relatively little additional support at first, followed by more intensive care as their needs increase.

Check: Types of Dementia

What Does End of Life Care Involve?

End of life care is different for every person. A care plan should reflect the individual’s condition, preferences, communication needs, routines and priorities rather than following a standard approach.

Managing pain and other symptoms

Pain is only one possible symptom. Depending on the person’s illness, they may also experience breathlessness, nausea, tiredness, anxiety or other symptoms.

Care teams can monitor changing symptoms and work with relevant healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate support is provided.

The aim is to reduce distress and maintain comfort rather than simply focusing on treating the underlying illness.

Personal care and comfort

As someone’s health changes, they may need more help with everyday activities such as washing, dressing, eating, drinking or moving around.

Personal care should be delivered with sensitivity and respect for the person’s privacy. Small details can become increasingly important, including preferred routines, clothing, food, room environment and how the person likes to be supported.

Emotional and psychological support

Approaching the end of life can bring difficult emotions for the person and those close to them.

People may experience fear, anxiety, sadness, frustration or uncertainty. Some may want to talk openly about what is happening, while others may prefer to focus on familiar activities and relationships.

Good care should respond to the person’s preferences rather than assuming everyone will cope in the same way.

Support for family and carers

End of life care also affects family members and informal carers.

Families may need information about changes in the person’s condition, help understanding care decisions or reassurance about what to expect. Where appropriate, relatives can be involved in discussions about care and the person’s wishes.

Maintaining dignity, choice and familiar routines

Comfort is not only about physical symptoms.

Maintaining dignity, privacy, personal choice and familiar routines can make a significant difference to someone’s experience of end of life care. NHS guidance also emphasises discussing a person’s wishes and preferences as part of planning their care.

Also Check: The Later Stage of Dementia

What Is Palliative Care?

Palliative care is an approach to care for people living with a life-limiting or life-threatening illness. Its focus is on improving quality of life by managing symptoms and providing appropriate physical, emotional, social, psychological and practical support.

Palliative care does not necessarily begin when someone is in the final days or weeks of life.

A person can receive palliative care after being diagnosed with an incurable illness and may continue to receive other treatments at the same time. Some people receive palliative care for a considerable period before they require end of life care.

The term terminal care is sometimes used when talking about care during the final stage of a person’s life. However, palliative care is broader and can begin much earlier.

What Is the Difference Between Palliative Care and End of Life Care?

Palliative care and end of life care overlap, but they are not interchangeable terms.

Palliative care	End of life care
Can begin earlier during a life-limiting illness	Usually relates to the later stage of life
Can continue for months or years	May last days, months or sometimes longer
Focuses strongly on quality of life and symptom management	Focuses on comfort, dignity, choice and support as someone approaches death
Can be provided alongside other treatments	Forms part of the person’s care during the final stage of life
Can involve general or specialist healthcare professionals	Can involve health and social care professionals, care staff, family and carers

In simple terms, end of life care can be considered a form of palliative care provided when someone is approaching the end of their life.

This distinction matters because receiving palliative care does not automatically mean that a person is dying imminently.

Also Check: 10 Signs Your Elderly Parent Needs Help or Care Support

Does Palliative Care Mean Someone Is Dying?

No. Receiving palliative care does not necessarily mean that someone is in the final days or weeks of life.

Palliative care can be introduced when someone has a life-limiting illness, sometimes while they are still receiving treatment intended to manage the illness or extend life.

For example, someone with a progressive illness may receive palliative support to manage pain, breathlessness or other symptoms while continuing with other aspects of their treatment.

End of life care is more specifically concerned with the later stage of life, when a person is approaching death.

It is therefore possible for someone to receive palliative care without being at the immediate end of their life.

How Long Does End of Life Care Last?

There is no fixed answer to how long end of life care lasts.

Every person’s circumstances are different, and it can be difficult for healthcare professionals to predict exactly how long someone has left. NHS guidance states that end of life care may last for a few days or months, and sometimes more than a year.

The length of care can depend on:

• the person’s underlying illness
• how quickly their condition is progressing
• other health conditions
• their level of frailty
• changes in symptoms
• the level of support they need

This is why end of life care should be reviewed as the person’s needs change rather than being based on a fixed timetable.

A person may need increasing support with mobility, medication, nutrition, personal care or symptom management. Their care plan may therefore need to be adjusted over time.

How Long Does Palliative Care Last?

Palliative care can last for very different lengths of time.

Unlike end of life care, palliative care does not necessarily begin during the final stage of someone’s life. It can start earlier after a person develops a life-limiting illness and continue alongside other forms of treatment.

Some people may receive palliative support for months or years, while others may only need it for a shorter period.

The important consideration is whether the person’s needs are being identified and supported as their condition changes.

End of Life Care in a Care Home

For some people, a care home can provide a stable environment where they can receive ongoing support as their care needs become more complex.

End of life care in care homes may involve support from care staff and nurses, alongside GPs, community nurses and other healthcare professionals where required. NHS guidance confirms that end of life care can be provided in some care homes where trained staff are available to provide day and night support.

A care home may be particularly relevant when a person’s needs have become difficult to manage safely at home or when they require regular support with everyday activities and clinical needs.

What support can a care home provide?

Depending on the care home’s facilities, staffing and registered services, support may include:

• personal care
• assistance with mobility
• nutrition and hydration support
• medication support
• monitoring of changing care needs
• nursing care where available
• emotional and social support
• communication with healthcare professionals
• involvement of family members in care planning

The exact level of support varies between care homes, so families should always ask about the specific care available at the home they are considering.

What should families ask a care home about end of life care?

If someone may eventually need end of life care, it is sensible to discuss this before making a decision about a care home.

Questions to ask include:

• Does the home have experience supporting people at the end of life?
• What nursing support is available?
• How are changes in symptoms identified and managed?
• How does the home work with GPs, district nurses and other healthcare professionals?
• How are relatives kept informed about changes in care?
• How are the person’s wishes and preferences recorded?
• Can family members spend time with the resident when their condition changes?
• What happens if the person’s nursing or personal care needs increase?

These questions can help families understand whether the home is suitable not only for someone’s current needs, but also for the possibility of changing needs in the future.

How care needs can change over time

Someone entering a care home may initially need support mainly with daily activities, mobility or medication. Their requirements may later change as their health deteriorates.

This is why individual care planning and regular reviews are important.

The aim is to recognise changing needs and involve the appropriate professionals and family members when decisions need to be made.

What Should You Ask a Care Home About Palliative and End of Life Care?

When comparing care homes, it is easy to focus on bedrooms, facilities, location and activities. These are important, but families should also look at how the home would respond if care needs become more complex.

Ask the care team:

Who will coordinate the person’s care?
Find out how the home works with GPs, community nurses and other healthcare professionals.

What happens when symptoms change?
Ask how staff recognise deterioration and what happens if someone needs additional clinical support.

How is the person’s care plan updated?
A person’s wishes and needs can change, so ask how these changes are documented and communicated.

How are families involved?
Good communication can help relatives understand changes and participate in decisions where appropriate.

Can the home support increasing nursing needs?
If the person’s health is likely to become more complex, find out what nursing provision is available and when additional healthcare support would be involved.

How does the home protect dignity and privacy?
Ask about personal care, private space, routines and how individual preferences are respected.

The answers can tell you more about the home’s approach than a list of facilities alone.

End of Life Care for Someone With Dementia

End of life care for someone living with dementia can require particular attention because the person may have difficulty communicating pain, discomfort or changes in how they feel.

Their needs may also change as dementia progresses.

Care may therefore need to focus on:

• recognising changes in behaviour or communication
• maintaining familiar routines where possible
• supporting personal care
• monitoring nutrition and hydration
• maintaining comfort
• involving people who know the person well
• respecting previously expressed wishes and preferences
• working with healthcare professionals when needs change

Familiar surroundings and consistent approaches can also become particularly important for someone living with dementia.

Landona House Care Group’s dementia-care information describes a person-centred approach that includes familiar environments, individual routines and emotional support for residents and families.

Families considering dementia care can also benefit from understanding how a care home manages changing needs rather than looking only at the initial level of support required.

Where Can Someone Receive End of Life Care?

End of life care is not limited to one setting. The appropriate option depends on the person’s medical needs, preferences and the support available.

In a care home

Some care homes have trained staff who can support residents day and night, with healthcare professionals involved according to the person’s needs.

For someone already living in a care home, continuing care there may help avoid an unnecessary move when their needs change, provided the home can safely meet those needs.

At home

Some people prefer to remain in familiar surroundings.

End of life care can sometimes be provided at home, with support from healthcare and community services. The availability of services depends on local arrangements and the person’s needs.

Families should speak with the person’s GP or healthcare team about what support can be arranged.

In a hospice

Hospices provide specialist support for people with incurable illnesses and can help with medical, emotional, practical, psychological and social needs. Hospice care may be provided for different periods depending on the person’s circumstances and does not necessarily mean staying there continuously.

In hospital

Hospital care may be appropriate when someone needs medical assessment or treatment that cannot be safely provided elsewhere.

Many hospitals also have specialist palliative care teams that work alongside doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Who Provides End of Life Care?

End of life care is usually provided by more than one person or organisation.

Depending on the person’s needs, the team may include:

• care home staff
• registered nurses
• GPs
• community or district nurses
• hospital doctors and nurses
• specialist palliative care professionals
• therapists
• social care professionals
• family members and informal carers

The NHS notes that different health and social care professionals can be involved depending on the person’s individual circumstances.

Good coordination matters because a person’s needs can change quickly, particularly during the later stages of life.

How to Choose the Right Care Setting for End of Life Care

There is no single care setting that is right for everyone.

When comparing options, consider the person’s current needs as well as what may be needed if their condition changes.

Look at:

• Level of care: Does the setting provide the level of personal and nursing support required?
• Changing needs: Can the care plan be reviewed as the person’s condition changes?
• Healthcare support: How does the setting work with GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals?
• Dementia experience: Is appropriate support available if the person is living with dementia?
• Communication: How are families kept informed?
• Personal wishes: How are individual choices, routines and preferences recorded?
• Dignity and privacy: Does the environment allow the person to receive personal care respectfully?
• Family involvement: Can relatives remain involved and spend meaningful time with the person?
• Continuity: Will the person have familiar staff and surroundings where possible?

A visit can also be useful. Ask the care team how they would respond to a realistic change in the person’s needs rather than only asking what services are listed on the website.

Nursing care as a related care option

For people with more complex medical needs, nursing care may be one of the options families need to consider.

Landona House Care Group states that its nursing care includes 24-hour clinical support from qualified nurses, ongoing clinical assessments and monitoring, medication management, support for long-term and complex needs, and end-of-life and palliative care. It also states that its nursing care works in partnership with healthcare professionals.

This does not mean that every individual care home should be assumed to provide the same level of end of life support. Families should check the services, staffing and suitability of the specific home they are considering.