Funding Guide · Updated 2026
Many older people pay for care at home without realising they may be entitled to extra financial support.
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help or supervision because of illness, disability, frailty or long-term health conditions. It is not means-tested, so your savings and income do not usually affect whether you can claim.
For families in Leeds, Harrogate and across North Yorkshire, Attendance Allowance can make a meaningful difference when arranging care at home, companionship, dementia support or regular help with daily routines. This guide explains what it is, who may qualify, how much it is worth, and how it can be used alongside home care.
A non-means-tested benefit for older people
Attendance Allowance is a benefit paid by the Department for Work and Pensions to people who have reached State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision.
You do not need to already receive care to qualify. The key question is whether you need help, support or supervision to stay safe and manage daily life. You may qualify if you need help with things such as:
Many people do not claim because they feel they are “managing”. However, Attendance Allowance is based on the help you reasonably need, not just the help you currently receive.
Attendance Allowance is paid at two rates. The lower rate is for people who need help or supervision during either the day or the night. The higher rate is for people who need help or supervision during both the day and the night, or for people who are terminally ill.
For the 2026/27 tax year, the rates are:
The rate depends on when help is needed. Day needs include help washing, dressing, eating, managing medication, moving around safely, or being supervised to avoid falls and accidents. Night needs include help using the toilet, being turned or repositioned in bed, taking medication, or repeated supervision to stay safe during the night.
For example, someone who needs help to wash and dress each morning but manages safely overnight would usually be looking at the lower rate. Someone living with advanced dementia who needs prompting through the day and reassurance or supervision when they wake confused and unsettled at night would usually be looking at the higher rate. People who are terminally ill can claim the higher rate under special rules, without the usual six-month qualifying period.
Please note: The exact rates change each tax year. Always check the current figures on GOV.UK — Attendance Allowance before applying. (In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment — same rates, applied for separately.)
Yes. Attendance Allowance can be used towards the cost of care at home. It does not have to be spent in a specific way. Many families use it to help pay for:
For someone arranging private care in Leeds or Harrogate, Attendance Allowance may not cover the full cost of care, but it can reduce the amount paid from savings or pension income. For a fuller picture of care costs and the other funding routes available, see our guide to paying for home care.
People living with dementia may be able to claim Attendance Allowance, even if they are physically mobile. This is because the benefit considers supervision and safety, not just physical care.
A person with dementia may need support because they:
Families often underestimate the level of support they provide. When applying, it is important to describe the person’s needs clearly and honestly, including what could happen if support was not available. You can read more about how we support people living with dementia on our dementia care at home page.
For people living in Leeds, Attendance Allowance can form part of a wider approach to funding care and support at home. Families may also want to consider:
Attendance Allowance is separate from council-arranged care, but receiving it may help families put support in place earlier, before needs increase. Learn more about our home care in Leeds.
For people living in Harrogate or elsewhere in North Yorkshire, Attendance Allowance may help fund regular care at home while also supporting independence. Families may also want to look into:
Even if someone pays privately for care, it can still be useful to request a care assessment. This can help identify the level of support needed and whether any additional services may be available. Find out more about our home care in Harrogate and our hospital to home care.
You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if:
Common conditions linked to Attendance Allowance claims include:
The diagnosis itself is not the deciding factor. What matters is how the condition affects daily life.
You apply for Attendance Allowance by completing the AA1 claim form, available through GOV.UK. You can fill it in online or ask the DWP to post you a paper copy. The form asks about your health conditions, medication, care needs, supervision needs and how your daily life is affected.
When completing the form, it helps to:
Many people understate their needs. The form should be honest, but it should not minimise the support required.
Families often miss out for avoidable reasons. Try not to:
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested. This means savings, investments and pension income do not usually affect entitlement. It is also tax-free.
In some cases, receiving Attendance Allowance may help someone qualify for additional support, such as extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. Families should seek proper benefits advice if they are unsure.
Attendance Allowance is paid to the person who needs care. If a family member provides regular care, they may be able to claim Carer’s Allowance, depending on their circumstances. However, Carer’s Allowance can affect other benefits, so it is worth getting advice before applying.
It is usually worth applying as soon as care or supervision needs have existed for the required period. Families often wait until a crisis point, but Attendance Allowance can help put support in place earlier.
This may include a small number of weekly care visits, help with medication, companionship, or additional support for someone living alone.
At Select Choice Community Support, we support people across Leeds, Harrogate and the surrounding areas with flexible care at home. This can include:
Attendance Allowance can be used towards these services, giving families more flexibility when arranging support.
If you are exploring care at home for yourself or a loved one, we can talk you through the options available.
Please note: We cannot complete Attendance Allowance forms or provide financial advice. What we can do is help you understand the type of care that may be suitable and how support could be arranged around your needs.
Contact Select Choice Community Support for a friendly, no-obligation conversation about care at home in Leeds, Harrogate and the surrounding areas. You can also browse the rest of our Funding Hub guides.
The benefit rates and eligibility rules in this guide come from official UK government sources. Rates are uprated each tax year, so always confirm the current figures before applying.
This guide is for general information and is not financial or legal advice. Select Choice does not provide financial advice or complete benefit applications. Benefit rates and rules are correct at the time of writing (2026/27) but change regularly — always check current rates with GOV.UK or a qualified adviser.
Whether you're just starting to explore options or ready to book a free assessment, our team is here to help — no obligation, no pressure.
