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Attendance Allowance Boost: 5 Key Facts About The £110.40 Weekly Payment Hike For 2025/2026

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The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the annual uprating for the Attendance Allowance (AA) benefit, securing a vital financial boost for hundreds of thousands of pensioners across the UK. This increase, set to take effect from April 7, 2025, is a crucial adjustment designed to help claimants manage the rising costs associated with long-term disability and personal care needs. The new rates mean the maximum weekly payment will climb to a significant £110.40, providing much-needed support for those over State Pension age.

The 'boost' is part of the government's commitment to increase most benefits in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the previous September. For the 2025/2026 financial year, this translates to a 1.7% increase, ensuring the value of the benefit is maintained against inflation. This comprehensive guide breaks down the new rates, who qualifies, and how you can ensure you are receiving the correct level of support.

The Confirmed Attendance Allowance Rates for 2025/2026

The annual uprating is a standard yet essential process, ensuring that disability benefits keep pace with the cost of living. The Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested, tax-free benefit, meaning it is not based on your income or savings, and it does not affect most other benefits you may be receiving. The new rates, which apply from April 2025, represent a substantial weekly and annual increase for claimants.

New Weekly Payment Rates (Effective April 7, 2025)

The benefit is paid at two distinct rates, depending on the level of care or supervision you require. The increase will be automatically applied to existing claimants, so no action is necessary if you are already receiving the benefit.

  • Higher Rate: This rate is paid if you need frequent care or supervision both during the day and at night. The new weekly rate is £110.40.
  • Lower Rate: This rate is paid if you need frequent care or supervision either during the day or at night. The new weekly rate is £73.90.

To put this into perspective, the financial boost over the course of the 2025/2026 financial year is considerable, providing up to an additional £96.20 annually for the lower rate and an extra £96.20 for the higher rate compared to the previous year.

Attendance Allowance Rate Weekly Rate 2024/2025 Weekly Rate 2025/2026 (New) Annual Increase
Higher Rate £108.55 £110.40 £96.20
Lower Rate £72.65 £73.90 £65.00

Who is Eligible for the Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is specifically designed to support older people who have reached the State Pension age and require help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental disability. It is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK, often because people do not realise their condition qualifies them for assistance.

Core Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the benefit, you must satisfy the following key conditions:

  • Age Requirement: You must have reached the State Pension age (currently 66). If you are under State Pension age, you should apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland.
  • Care Needs: You must need help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, eating, or managing medication. This also includes needing supervision to stay safe (e.g., due to dementia or a mental health condition).
  • Qualifying Period: You must have needed this care or supervision for at least six months prior to claiming. This six-month qualifying period does not apply if you are terminally ill.
  • Residency: You must be habitually resident in the UK and satisfy the ‘past presence’ test (having been in Great Britain for at least 104 weeks out of the last 156 weeks).

The crucial point is that the benefit is about your *needs*, not whether you actually receive the care. Many people who live alone and struggle with daily tasks are entitled, even if they do not yet have formal care arrangements in place. You do not need a carer to claim Attendance Allowance.

Defining the Care Needs for Each Rate

The rate you receive is determined by when you need the care or supervision:

  • Lower Rate: You need frequent attention or supervision during the day OR at night. This could be due to a single condition or a combination of conditions.
  • Higher Rate: You need frequent attention or supervision during the day AND at night. This is the maximum weekly payment and is reserved for those with the most significant long-term support requirements.

How Attendance Allowance Unlocks Other Financial Support

One of the most powerful aspects of securing Attendance Allowance is its gateway effect, known as a 'passporting benefit.' A successful claim can automatically increase or unlock entitlement to other essential DWP benefits, which is a major factor in improving a claimant's total household income.

Carer’s Allowance and Pension Credit

The payment itself is not a means-tested benefit, but it can significantly impact other means-tested benefits. Key benefits that can be boosted include:

  • Pension Credit: If you or your partner are over State Pension age and receive Attendance Allowance, you may be entitled to a Severe Disability Addition (SDA) within Pension Credit. This can add a substantial amount to your weekly Pension Credit payment.
  • Carer’s Allowance: If someone spends at least 35 hours a week caring for you, your successful claim for Attendance Allowance allows them to claim Carer’s Allowance (or Carer Support Payment in Scotland). This is a separate, taxable benefit paid to the carer.
  • Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction: Claiming AA can also lead to an increase in Housing Benefit and/or a reduction in your Council Tax bill, depending on your local authority's scheme. This is often due to the Severe Disability Premium being triggered in the calculation of these benefits.

It is highly recommended that you check your eligibility for these related benefits immediately after a successful Attendance Allowance claim. The DWP and organisations like Age UK or Citizens Advice can provide a benefits check to ensure you are maximising your total entitlement.

The Simple Steps to Claim Attendance Allowance

The process of claiming Attendance Allowance is managed by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Unlike some other disability benefits, there is no online application form; the process must begin by telephone or by requesting a claim pack.

Requesting the AA1 Claim Form

The quickest way to start your claim and ensure your payment is backdated to the earliest possible date is to contact the DWP Attendance Allowance helpline. This is a critical first step, as your entitlement date is typically set from the point you first contact them, not the date you return the completed form.

DWP Attendance Allowance Helpline: 0800 731 0122 (Textphone: 0800 731 0317)

When you call, you will need to provide basic information, including your National Insurance number and details of your GP or any other healthcare professionals involved in your care.

Completing the Application

The official AA1 claim form is detailed and focuses heavily on how your disability affects your daily life and personal care needs. It is essential to be thorough and honest about your worst days, providing specific examples of the difficulties you face with tasks like getting out of bed, managing your toilet needs, or needing supervision to prevent harm. Supporting evidence from a doctor or other medical professional can strengthen your application significantly.

Once the completed form is sent back to the DWP, they will assess your claim. In some cases, they may request a home visit or a medical assessment, though this is not always necessary for Attendance Allowance claims. The key entities involved—the DWP, your GP, and benefits advisors—are all resources available to help you navigate this process and secure the financial support you are entitled to, especially with the new £110.40 weekly boost coming in April 2025.

Attendance Allowance Boost: 5 Key Facts About the £110.40 Weekly Payment Hike for 2025/2026
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