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Attendance Allowance Boost 2025/2026: 5 Key Facts On The New £110.40 Weekly Rate

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As of December 2025, millions of pensioners across the UK are preparing for a significant financial boost to their disability benefit payments, with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirming the new Attendance Allowance (AA) rates for the 2025/2026 financial year. This annual increase is a crucial adjustment to help older people cover the rising costs associated with long-term disability or illness.

The "Attendance Allowance boost" is an essential financial lifeline, providing tax-free, non-means-tested support to those who need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental health condition. The latest figures show a vital increase, with the maximum weekly payment now reaching over £110. This article breaks down the new rates, eligibility criteria, and the simple steps to claim this invaluable benefit.

What is Attendance Allowance (AA)? A Benefit Profile

Attendance Allowance (AA) is a tax-free benefit designed to help people who have reached State Pension age and require care or supervision due to a disability or long-term illness. It is not paid to cover mobility needs, but specifically the care required.

Unlike some other benefits, AA is not means-tested, meaning your savings or income will not affect your eligibility. This is a key distinction from other forms of financial support.

The benefit is paid at two different rates, determined by the level of care or supervision an individual needs. The payment is made weekly and is deposited directly into your chosen bank account.

  • Administering Body: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
  • Target Group: Individuals over State Pension age (currently 66 or over)
  • Purpose: To help with the extra costs of personal care needed due to a disability or illness.
  • Tax Status: Tax-free
  • Means-Tested: No (Income and savings are not considered)
  • Claim Form: AA1A (Claim form for Attendance Allowance)
  • Key Requirement: Must have needed the care for at least six months (or be terminally ill).

The New Attendance Allowance Boost: 2025/2026 Rates Explained

The DWP has confirmed the new rates for Attendance Allowance, which will take effect from April 2025. This boost is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, ensuring that the benefit keeps pace with the cost of living.

The increase for the 2025/2026 financial year is approximately 1.7%, offering a much-needed rise for claimants facing rising care and living costs.

Attendance Allowance Weekly Rates (Effective April 2025)

The new rates are a crucial update for anyone currently receiving or planning to claim the benefit.

  • The Higher Rate: £110.40 per week.
    • Who Qualifies: You qualify for the higher rate if you need frequent care or supervision both during the day and during the night.
    • Monthly Payment Equivalent: Up to approximately £441.60 per month.
  • The Lower Rate: £73.90 per week.
    • Who Qualifies: You qualify for the lower rate if you need frequent care or supervision either during the day or at night.
    • Monthly Payment Equivalent: Up to approximately £295.60 per month.

For comparison, the previous rates for 2024/2025 were £108.55 (Higher Rate) and £72.65 (Lower Rate). This increase automatically applies to existing claimants, meaning there is no need to re-apply if you are already receiving payments.

Who is Eligible for the Attendance Allowance Payment?

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most critical step in securing the Attendance Allowance payment. The rules are strict but clear, focusing entirely on your care needs.

You may be eligible to claim Attendance Allowance if all of the following conditions apply:

1. You are of State Pension Age or Over

Attendance Allowance is specifically for those who have reached the State Pension age. If you are under this age, you would typically need to apply for other disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA), depending on your age and location.

2. You Have a Physical or Mental Condition

You must have a long-term physical or mental illness, or both, that requires personal care or supervision. This includes conditions such as arthritis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, learning difficulties, or sensory impairments like blindness.

3. You Need Help with Personal Care or Supervision

The core of the claim is the level of assistance you require. This is not just about medical treatment, but about daily living activities. Care needs include:

  • Help with washing, dressing, or using the toilet.
  • Supervision to prevent danger to yourself or others (e.g., due to confusion or memory loss).
  • Help with communicating your needs.
  • Help with monitoring your condition (e.g., checking blood sugar levels).

4. The Need for Care Has Lasted Six Months

You must have needed this care for at least six months before you can make a claim. The only exception to this rule is if you are terminally ill, in which case the six-month rule does not apply, and your claim can be fast-tracked.

How to Claim Your Attendance Allowance (AA1A Form and Process)

The process for claiming Attendance Allowance is straightforward, although it requires detailed information about your daily care needs. The DWP manages the application through a specific form.

Step 1: Get the AA1A Claim Form

The official document you need is the Attendance Allowance claim form, often referred to as the AA1A. You can request this form by calling the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline. It is advisable to request the form immediately, as the benefit can sometimes be backdated to the date of your initial call, provided you return the completed form within a specified timeframe.

Step 2: Complete the Form with Detail

The AA1A form asks for detailed information about your disability, the help you need, and when you need it (day and/or night). It is crucial to be as thorough and honest as possible, focusing on what you struggle to do and the help you require, rather than what you can manage.

Key Tip: Always describe your worst days, not your best. Include details of any supervision needed, even if it’s just someone being present to ensure your safety.

Step 3: Submit and Await a Decision

Once completed, send the form back to the DWP. The DWP will assess your claim based on the information provided. Unlike PIP, an in-person assessment is not always required, though they may contact your doctor or other healthcare professionals for further evidence. You will then receive a decision letter confirming your entitlement and the rate you will be paid.

The Wider Impact: Attendance Allowance and Other Benefits

Securing an Attendance Allowance payment can have a positive ripple effect on your overall financial package, demonstrating its value as a foundational benefit.

Carer's Allowance

If someone spends at least 35 hours a week caring for you, and you are receiving Attendance Allowance, they may be eligible to claim Carer's Allowance. This is a separate, taxable benefit paid to the carer, not the claimant.

Pension Credit and Housing Benefit

Receiving Attendance Allowance can often lead to an increase in other income-related benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction. Because AA is not counted as income for means-tested benefits, it can increase your overall entitlement to these payments, providing a substantial 'passporting' effect to more financial support.

The new £110.40 weekly rate for 2025/2026 is a significant boost that underscores the government's commitment to supporting the care needs of the elderly population. If you are over State Pension age and need regular care, claiming Attendance Allowance is a vital step toward securing your financial well-being.

Attendance Allowance Boost 2025/2026: 5 Key Facts on the New £110.40 Weekly Rate
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