Attendance Allowance

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Claiming Attendance Allowance if you’re nearing the end of life

If you’re nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness) you might be able to get Attendance Allowance more quickly and at a higher rate.

This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.

You may also be able to get other benefits if you’re nearing the end of life.

Eligibility

You’re eligible if: 

  • you’ve reached State Pension age
  • your doctor or medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live

It can be difficult to predict how long someone might live for. If a medical professional has not talked to you about this, you can still ask them to support your claim under the special rules for end of life.

What you’ll get

You’ll get the higher rate of £108.55 per week.

You could also get extra Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.

The letter about the money awarded will not mention ‘special rules’.

How to claim

You can claim for yourself or someone else can make a claim for you (they do not need your permission). 

You need to:

  • ask a medical professional for form SR1 - they’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
  • apply for Attendance Allowance online or by post

You will not need to go to a face-to-face assessment.

Apply online

To apply, you’ll need:

  • your National Insurance number
  • your address and contact details
  • details of the disability or health condition that you need extra help for
  • details of your GP surgery or medical centre
  • details of your care home, hospital or hospice if you’re currently staying in one

Start now

Apply by post

You can either:  

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

Send the completed claim form to:

Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance

After you apply

After you send your claim, you’ll be contacted by phone or sent a letter within 3 weeks to explain 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 apply online, your claim will start on the date you make your claim.

If you print and post the form, your claim will start on the date 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 already get Attendance Allowance

Contact the Attendance Allowance helpline straight away if you already get Attendance Allowance and a medical professional has said you might have 12 months or less to live.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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