Attendance Allowance and Carer’s Allowance (UK)

Attendance Allowance

GOV.UK says Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability or health condition severe enough that you need someone to help look after you, and you are State Pension age or older.

• You do not need to have a carer to claim it.
• It does not cover mobility needs.
• Getting it could mean you get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

Carer’s Allowance

If you care for someone for a set number of hours a week and they get certain benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, you could get Carer’s Allowance. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for (GOV.UK). In Scotland, you apply for Carer Support Payment instead.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit gives extra money to people over State Pension age on a low income. It can also open the door to other help, so it is worth checking even if you think you will not qualify.

How to check and claim

• Check eligibility and current rates on GOV.UK, because amounts change.
• Ask your council for a carer’s assessment too: the NHS says carers can get support in their own right.
• A local advice service can help you fill in forms.