Attendance Allowance Boost 2026: 7 Key Facts On The DWP's New £114.60 Weekly Rate
The UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a significant Attendance Allowance boost, set to take effect in April 2026. This vital financial increase, which is not means-tested, is part of the annual benefits uprating and will see weekly payments rise substantially for eligible pensioners across the country. As of December 2025, the government has announced that the benefit will increase by 3.8% for the 2026/2027 financial year, a crucial adjustment designed to help older people cover the rising costs associated with long-term illness or disability.
This upcoming rise means thousands of pensioners will be entitled to a higher tax-free income stream, with the top rate climbing to over £114 per week. Attendance Allowance remains one of the most underclaimed benefits, and understanding the new rates and eligibility criteria is essential for anyone over State Pension age needing extra support with daily living or supervision.
The Confirmed Attendance Allowance Rates for 2026/2027
The DWP’s annual uprating confirms a 3.8% increase for Attendance Allowance, aligning with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation. This boost is a direct lifeline for those over State Pension age who require care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability. It is important to note that the money is paid directly to the claimant and can be spent however they choose—whether on home help, transport, or energy costs.
Here is a breakdown of the new weekly, monthly, and annual payment rates effective from April 2026:
- Higher Rate: For those who need frequent care or supervision both day and night, or are terminally ill.
- Lower Rate: For those who need frequent care or supervision either during the day or at night.
Attendance Allowance Payment Rates: April 2026 Onwards
| Rate | Current Weekly Rate (2025/2026) | New Weekly Rate (2026/2027) | Equivalent Monthly Payment (Max) | Equivalent Annual Payment (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Rate | £110.40 | £114.60 | £458.40 | £5,959.20 |
| Lower Rate | £73.90 | £76.75 | £307.00 | £3,991.00 |
The £114.60 new higher rate represents an increase of £4.20 per week, equating to an extra £218.40 over the course of the year. This non-means-tested disability benefit is a vital resource for older people managing long-term health conditions.
Who is Eligible for the Attendance Allowance Boost?
Attendance Allowance is specifically designed for individuals who have reached State Pension age (currently 66) and need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability or illness. The benefit is entirely tax-free and crucially, it is not means-tested. This means your savings, income, or existing pension payments will not affect your eligibility or the amount you receive.
To qualify for the Attendance Allowance boost, you must meet the following core criteria:
- You must be State Pension age or over.
- You must have needed help for at least six months (this rule is waived if you are terminally ill).
- You must require frequent help with personal care (e.g., washing, dressing, eating) or need supervision to prevent danger to yourself or others.
The type of illness or disability does not matter; what matters is the level of care and support you require. Common conditions that lead to a successful claim include arthritis, dementia, Parkinson's disease, heart conditions, and mobility issues.
The Hidden Impact: How Attendance Allowance Increases Other Benefits
A key reason why claiming Attendance Allowance is so important is its potential to trigger an increase in other DWP benefits, a concept known as "passporting." Receiving this disability support can act as a gateway to higher payments for other allowances, significantly boosting a pensioner's overall income.
Claiming Attendance Allowance may lead to an automatic increase in:
- Pension Credit: The Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit can be increased, which in turn can unlock other vital support like Cold Weather Payments, Housing Benefit, and help with NHS costs.
- Housing Benefit: Claimants may see an increase in the amount of Housing Benefit they receive.
- Carer's Allowance: If you have a family member or friend who provides care for you for at least 35 hours a week, your successful claim for Attendance Allowance may enable them to claim Carer's Allowance, which is a further benefit stream for the household.
This compounding effect means the true value of the 2026/2027 Attendance Allowance boost extends far beyond the weekly payment rate itself, providing a much broader safety net for elderly individuals and their caregivers.
How to Claim the Attendance Allowance: A Step-by-Step Guide
Despite being a lifeline, Attendance Allowance is notoriously underclaimed. The process involves completing the AA1 claim form, which focuses on the help you need, not the medical condition itself.
Follow these steps to ensure you claim the support you are entitled to:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you are over State Pension age and have needed help for at least six months (or are terminally ill).
- Request the Claim Form: You can download the AA1 form from the official GOV.UK website or request a copy by phone.
- Detail Your Needs: The form requires detailed information about the help you need during the day and/or night. Be thorough and honest about your worst days, not your best. Mention specific difficulties with tasks like getting out of bed, managing medication, or needing supervision due to confusion or memory problems.
- Gather Supporting Evidence: Include recent letters, diagnosis reports, or care plans from your GP, consultant, or specialist nurse to support your claim.
- Submit the Claim: Mail the completed form to the DWP. The benefit is often paid from the date the DWP receives your claim, so it is best to submit it as soon as possible.
The DWP will review your application, and in some cases, they may contact you for more information or arrange a home visit, although this is less common than with other disability benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
A Note on Scotland: Pension Age Disability Payment
It is important to note that the benefit landscape is changing in Scotland. The Scottish Government is in the process of replacing Attendance Allowance with the new Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP). If you are a resident in Scotland and currently receive Attendance Allowance, you will be automatically transferred to the new PADP system. There is no need to reapply, and payments will continue during the transfer process, ensuring no break in financial support.
For residents in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the DWP’s Attendance Allowance remains the primary source of disability support for those over State Pension age, and the 2026/2027 boost is a crucial update to ensure payments keep pace with the rising cost of living.
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