You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if your ability to look after your own personal care is affected by physical or mental illness or disability.

Attendance Allowance has 2 weekly rates, and the rate you get depends on the help you need. You’ll get:

• £55.10 if you need help in the day or at night
• £82.30 if you need help both in the day and at night

These rates apply from April 2015 to April 2016.

Claiming Attendance Allowance is tax free and it is not means tested, it won’t reduce any other income you receive.

You could be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you:

• are 65 or over and could benefit from help with personal care, such as getting washed or dressed, or supervision to keep you safe during the day or night
• have any type of disability or illness
• have needed help for at least 6 months

Attendance Allowance is based on the help you need, not the help you actually get, you don’t actually have to receive help from a carer.  It is not means-tested so your income and savings are not taken into account.

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