Attendance Allowance
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 cannot apply online. 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)
-
complete an Attendance Allowance claim form
Send the completed claim form to:
Freepost
DWP Attendance Allowance
You will not need to go to a face-to-face assessment.
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.
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