Attendance Allowance
How to claim
You can apply for Attendance Allowance by post.
To apply, you’ll need:
- your National Insurance number
- your address and contact details
- details of the health condition or disability that you need extra help for
- details of your GP surgery or medical centre
Apply by post
You can claim by either:
- printing and submitting the Attendance Allowance claim form
- contacting the helpline to request a claim form
There is a different process for Attendance Allowance in Northern Ireland.
Send the completed form to:
Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance
You do not need a postcode or a stamp. The form comes with notes telling you how to fill it in.
Attendance Allowance helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0122
Textphone: 0800 731 0317
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0122
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
After you apply
After you send your claim, you’ll get a text or letter within 3 weeks that explains when you can expect a decision.
Once a decision is made, you’ll get a letter explaining the outcome.
When you’ll be paid
If you’re awarded Attendance Allowance, the decision letter will tell you when you’ll get your first payment.
If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) receives it.
If you call the helpline to get a form, your claim will start on the date of your call (if you return the form within 6 weeks).
If you might have 12 months or less to live
You can get Attendance Allowance more quickly if a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live. This is sometimes called ‘special rules’.
You must complete an Attendance Allowance claim form. You should also ask a doctor or medical professional for form SR1 - they’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to the DWP.
You can do this on behalf of someone else without their permission. The letter about the money awarded will not mention ‘special rules’.
If you disagree with a decision
You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.
Complaints
You can complain to DWP if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.