Attendance Allowance For Personal Care And Supervision
The DWP cares about three things: help with personal care, help to stay safe, and supervision needed by day or night. The challenge is describing those needs honestly without underselling them.
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
People who provide or receive care and want to describe it in a way the DWP recognises.
Likely a good fit if:
- The person is State Pension age (currently 66 or over) or close to it.
- They need help, supervision or someone watching over them because of a long-term physical or mental health condition.
- Those needs have lasted, or are likely to last, at least six months.
- They are not already receiving PIP, DLA care component or Adult Disability Payment for the same care needs.
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
Help describing personal care and supervision needs in the way the AA1 form expects.
- 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.
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.
Get Help With My ApplicationWhy 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.
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.
What about people living in Scotland?
In Scotland, Attendance Allowance has been replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) for people of State Pension age, administered by Social Security Scotland. The eligibility rules are very similar — we can help guide which is the right route.
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.
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.