Attendance Allowance For Dementia
Dementia claims often qualify for the higher rate of Attendance Allowance because of the constant supervision and prompting required. But families often understate this, especially in the early-to-middle stages.
Prefer to talk? Call us on 07723 336916.
Free 60-second eligibility check
Tell us a little about the situation. We'll come back with a clear, honest view — no pressure.
Who this is for
Family members and carers of someone with dementia who is State Pension age or over.
Likely a good fit if:
- You are helping an older parent, grandparent or relative who needs day-to-day help or supervision.
- Your loved one is State Pension age (66+) and the needs have lasted at least six months.
- You are worried about getting the AA1 form right and want a calm, patient hand.
- You have your loved one's consent to help with their claim.
Probably not for you if
- The person is under State Pension age — Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is usually the right route instead.
- The person already receives PIP, DLA or Adult Disability Payment care component.
- The person lives in Scotland and is of State Pension age — they may need to apply for Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) instead.
If you're not sure, send us a quick message — we'll tell you honestly.
How we help
Attendance Allowance support tuned for dementia — describing supervision, prompting and safety risks accurately.
- Plain-English explanation of whether the person is likely to qualify.
- Help wording the daily care, supervision and safety needs in the way the form requires.
- Guidance on the supporting evidence that strengthens a claim (GP letters, care diaries, medication lists).
- Help completing every section of the AA1 form — together, over the phone, at the person's pace.
- A final review of the application before it is sent to the DWP.
- Ongoing support if more information is requested while a decision is being made.
About Attendance Allowance and this condition
Dementia care is mostly invisible — prompting to take medication, watching for wandering at night, repeating instructions. We help write that down so the DWP can see it.
Common Attendance Allowance mistakes — and how to avoid them
- Underplaying day-to-day difficulties — many people describe a 'good day' instead of an average day.
- Leaving large sections of the form blank because they feel intrusive.
- Forgetting to include night-time supervision or help that is needed during the night.
- Not mentioning supervision needed to keep the person safe (falls risk, confusion, wandering).
- Submitting without supporting evidence such as a GP or consultant letter, care diary or medication list.
- Missing the impact of fluctuating conditions — describing only the better days.
Our 3-step process
1. Quick eligibility check
A short call or online form to confirm Attendance Allowance is the right benefit and that the person is likely to qualify.
2. Form completion together
We work through the AA1 application with you, helping describe day-to-day difficulties and supervision needs in the way the form requires.
3. Final review and submission
We review the completed application, sense-check the supporting evidence and post or submit it to the DWP.
Ready for an honest second opinion?
Free, no-pressure eligibility review for you or your relative.
Help My Loved One ApplyWhy use a consultant rather than going it alone?
- Someone who has read hundreds of AA1 forms and knows what the DWP looks for.
- A calm, patient conversation — no jargon, no pressure, written at the older person's pace.
- Wording help that reflects the real day-to-day reality, not just clinical labels.
- A second pair of eyes before the form is submitted.
- Reassurance for family members who are worried about getting it wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for Attendance Allowance?
It is generally for people who are State Pension age or over, who have needed help with personal care, supervision or staying safe for at least six months, and who are not already receiving certain other disability benefits like PIP or DLA care component.
What evidence helps an Attendance Allowance claim?
GP or consultant letters, hospital discharge summaries, a list of medications, a short care diary describing a typical week, social-care assessments, and notes from family or paid carers can all strengthen an application.
How much is Attendance Allowance worth?
Attendance Allowance is paid at a lower or higher weekly rate depending on whether help is needed only during the day, only at night, or during both. Current rates are published on GOV.UK and are reviewed each year.
Will Attendance Allowance affect other benefits?
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and does not normally reduce other benefits — and in many cases it can increase entitlement to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax support. We can talk you through the most common scenarios.
Why use a support service rather than applying alone?
You can absolutely apply alone through GOV.UK. People often choose to use a support service because the AA1 form is long, the wording is unfamiliar, and small misunderstandings can lead to a weaker claim. We help describe the real day-to-day needs in the way the DWP expects.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance for my mum, dad or relative?
Yes — you can help a relative apply. Attendance Allowance is always paid to the person being claimed for, but family members can sit alongside, gather information and write the form on their behalf with their consent. This is one of the most common reasons people contact us.
Related Attendance Allowance pages
Important — please read
- We are not the official GOV.UK Attendance Allowance service.
- You can apply directly through GOV.UK if you prefer.
- We provide support, guidance and claim assistance — no outcome is guaranteed.
- Eligibility depends on personal circumstances.