Your Guide to Attendance Allowance: Financial Support You Might Not Know About

If you’re caring for an ageing parent, or even just starting to worry about them living independently, we know it can be a challenging and emotional time. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the options and unsure where to turn for help. That’s why we want to talk about something that could make a real financial difference, but that many families, as the video explains, don’t even know exists: Attendance Allowance. This guide will walk you through what it is, who may be eligible, and how it can help.

What Is Attendance Allowance?

Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit from the UK government for individuals who are over the State Pension age and need help with personal care or supervision due to a physical or mental health condition. As our video guide highlights, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to be eligible. The focus is simply on the help needed with daily life.

Crucially, it is not means-tested. This means your income and savings are not taken into account when determining your eligibility. The allowance is intended to help you or your loved one maintain independence at home for longer. The money can be used for anything that makes life easier, whether that’s funding dedicated home care services, paying for specialist equipment, or simply providing some breathing space for the family.

How Much Could You Receive?

The amount of Attendance Allowance you receive depends on the level of care and support required. As of July 2025, the rates are:

• Lower Rate: £73.90 per week. This is for individuals who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night.
• Higher Rate: £110.40 per week. This is for those who need help or supervision throughout both the day and night.

Receiving the higher rate amounts to over £478 a month in financial support. This can be a vital contribution towards the cost of professional home care, helping to ensure your loved one is safe, comfortable, and well-cared for in the familiar surroundings of their own home.

Helpful Tip When Applying

When you decide to apply for Attendance Allowance, one of the most important things to remember is to provide a full and honest picture of your parent’s needs. Don’t just focus on their good days. It is essential that the application reflects the reality of the difficult days.

Talk about the times they feel anxious or forget to take their medication. Describe the support they need to stay safe and the days where they need more help than usual. Painting a clear picture of the challenges faced ensures the application accurately represents the level of support required, giving you the best possible chance of receiving the correct rate of allowance.

Support in Havering and Romford: We’re Here When You Need Us

Caring for a loved one is incredibly rewarding, but it can also bring uncertainty, stress and emotional strain. You don’t have to manage it all by yourself.

At Radfield Home Care Havering & Romford, our approach is simple: we are here to be there for people. That means more than just delivering care. It means showing up with compassion, building real relationships, and offering consistent support that helps families feel confident and reassured.

Whether you need occasional assistance or regular visits, our Care Professionals provide personalised home care in Havering and Romford that respects your loved one’s dignity, independence and daily routines. We listen. We connect. And we truly care.

Rooted in the Havering and Romford community, we understand what matters most to local families: reliable care from people you can trust. If you’re starting to explore home care or need someone to talk to, we’re here to help.

Talk to us today

Discover our full range of care services in Havering and Romford, and find out how we can help your loved one continue living safely and comfortably at home. Contact us today to speak with our friendly team.