Attendance Allowance check → Attendance Allowance rates and how it is paid

Attendance Allowance rates and how it is paid

The two rates, what they add up to over a year, and what the money does and does not affect.

The two rates

Rates in force from 6 April 2026, checked against gov.uk on 16 September 2026. They are reviewed every April.

How it is paid

Straight into a bank or building society account, usually every four weeks. It is tax-free and it is not counted as income.

What it does not affect

• Savings and capital — there is no limit and no means test.
• A private or state pension — no effect either way.
• Owning your home — makes no difference at all.
• Working — you can still be working and claim.

What it can unlock

Being awarded Attendance Allowance can increase Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction if those are already in payment, and it can open the door to a Council Tax discount where someone has a severe cognitive impairment. It can also entitle a family member who looks after you to Carer's Allowance. None of that is automatic — each is a separate claim.

Couples

Both people in a couple can be paid it if each of them needs help. It is two claims, not one payment between them.

Care homes

If the local council pays for the care home, the allowance usually stops. If the home is paid for privately, it normally continues. Short stays in hospital pause it after four weeks.

Backdating

It is normally paid from the date the claim form arrives, so there is no advantage in waiting. The exception is a claim made under the special rules for someone nearing the end of life, which is handled differently and much faster.